Define Wound

A wound, in the most literal terms, is defined as an injury to the body. However, the word can apply to other situations besides bodily harm.

Bodily Harm

The most common definition of wound is physical injury. This could result in several ways, such as an accident, a violent encounter or even surgery.

Types

There are different types of wounds. A wound could be a cut, which is an opening of the skin with a sharp object. It could be a laceration, which is a tear-like wound caused by a blunt instrument. Others include bruises, gunshot wounds and abrasions.

Wound Classification

The International Red Cross Wound Classification system--established in 1991 by the Red Cross--is an elaborate method of classifying wounds according to type and severity. A letter representing a numerical value--out of E, X, C, F, V and M--is chosen for each item of the system's criteria.

Figurative Use: Emotion

The word "wound" also applies to non-physical situations. It can be used to describe the emotional or mental hurt inflicted on someone. For example, "Jane felt that mentioning it to Peter might reopen the wound of betrayal."

Other Examples of Figurative Use

Sometimes, the word can be used for a scenario resembling one, particularly in politics or war. In some cases, the word "wound" does not even need to be mentioned. For example, "The young politician's victory at the New Hampshire primary election dealt a severe blow to the opposition." That implies a political wound to his opponent.

References

• Merriam-Webster Definition of Wound
• International Red Cross Wound Classification