Punctured

/ˈpʌŋktʃərd/

Meaning & Definition

verb
Past tense of puncture; to pierce or make a hole in something.
She punctured the balloon with a sharp pin, causing it to deflate.
To cause a sudden reduction in pressure or a breach in a surface.
The tire was punctured by a piece of sharp metal on the road.
To weaken or undermine something, such as an argument or a facade.
His sharp remarks punctured the pretentious atmosphere of the dinner party.
adjective
Describing something that has been pierced or has a hole in it.
The punctured tire needed to be replaced before the road trip.

Etymology

From Latin punctura, meaning 'a piercing'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

punctured tire
A tire that has been pierced and is losing air.
punctured balloon
A balloon that has a hole, causing it to deflate.
punctured confidence
A state where one's confidence has been undermined.

Related Words

puncture
The act of piercing or a small hole made by piercing.
perforation
The condition of being perforated; a hole or series of holes.

Slang Meanings

Taken aback or surprised.
His sudden change in attitude punctured my expectations.
To describe a situation that is no longer intact or functional.
After the argument, their friendship felt punctured.