Mutilation or maiming is an act or physical injury that degrades the appearance or function of the (human) body, usually without causing death. Usage of term The term is usually used to describe the victims of accidents, torture, physical assault, or certain premodern forms of punishment. Acts of mutilation Acts of mutilation may include amputation, burning, flagellation or wheeling. In some cases, the term may apply to treatment of dead bodies, such as soldiers mutilated after they've been… (More on Mutilation)