scarification

[ skar-uh-fi-key-shuhn ]

noun

1. The act or result of making scratches or superficial incisions in the skin to produce an immune response or administer certain injections:

   Scarification is a common method of sensitizing the skin for contact with an allergen.

2. an act or instance of scratching, cutting, or burning a design or image into the skin, in order to create permanent decorative or symbolic scars; scarifying:

   Because it’s riskier than tattooing and piercing, not all body mod shops offer scarification.

3. a design or image made by scars as the result of scratching, cutting, or burning it into the skin:

   A king was required to have the traditional facial scarification particular to his clan.

Word History and Origins

Origin of scarification¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English scarificacioun, from Old French scarificacion and Late Latin scarīficātiōn- (stem of scarīficātiō ); scarify, -ation

Example Sentences

Densely dotted patterns, reminiscent of Australian Aboriginal art, refer to scarification, the traditional African practice of cutting permanent adornments into human skin.

From Washington Post

Facial scarification was once popular across Nigeria.

From BBC

She became better within days of the scarification, she says, but that has not made her love the marks on her face.

From BBC

Most of those like Mr Akeem, who were marked as children, agree it was right to stop facial scarification.

From BBC

She branded an “M” on her inner thigh via scarification.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• laceration
• wound