battle-scarred

[ bat-l-skahrd ]

adjective

1. bearing scars or damages received in battle:

   a battle-scarred warship.

2. showing the effects of hard wear or use:

   a sale of battle-scarred desks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of battle-scarred¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Neither side has declared it formally, but a steady escalation of cross-border attacks has raised fears of of an all-out war between two battle-scarred adversaries.

From Los Angeles Times

Four days later, the family trudged back through streets so ravaged they were barely recognisable, to find their home still standing but increasingly battle-scarred.

From BBC

Ms Pelosi in particular is a battle-scarred politician who is very likely playing a game of 3D chess.

From BBC

South Africa's battle-scarred former President Jacob Zuma is proving he still has a winning streak - recently scoring a hat-trick in the courtroom.

From BBC

A battle-scarred male humpback whale named Frodo has completed the longest- known migration for his species, a new study says.

From National Geographic

Related Words

• accomplished
• competent
• hardened
• knowledgeable
• qualified
• skillful
• trained
• wise