Definition

Adjective: 1. Having a hole made by a sharp object; pierced: Describes an object that has been penetrated, creating an opening, often causing it to deflate or lose its contents. 2. Damaged by being pierced: Implies that the integrity of the object is compromised due to the puncture.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a flat tire:
  • We were late because we had a punctured tire.
• Describing a deflated object:
  • The child cried over his punctured beach ball.
• Describing a medical context:
  • The punctured lung required immediate surgery.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Can describe something whose effectiveness or energy has been suddenly lost or deflated.
  • His confident mood was punctured by the harsh criticism. (Here, 'punctured' is used as the past tense of the verb 'to puncture' in a metaphorical sense).

Variants and Related Words

• Puncture (noun): A small hole made by a sharp object.
  • The mechanic found the puncture in the inner tube.
• Puncture (verb): To make a hole in something with a sharp point.
  • A nail punctured the tire.
• Pierced (adjective): Similar to punctured, often used for body parts or ears.
• Perforated (adjective): Having a hole or series of holes, often deliberately made.

Synonyms

• Pierced
• Perforated
• Pricked
• Holed

Antonyms

• Intact
• Sealed
• Unpierced
• Airtight (in specific contexts like tires or balloons)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Puncture a myth: To disprove a commonly held belief.
  • The scientist's research punctured the myth that lightning never strikes the same place twice. (This uses the verb form).
• Puncture resistance: The ability of a material to withstand being pierced.
  • These tires are advertised for their puncture resistance.

Adjective

1. having a hole cut through
   • pierced ears
   • a perforated eardrum
   • a punctured balloon