balafrer

Senses

1. 1.

   to scar

   to cut or wound the face or skin, leaving a visible mark

2. 2.

   to slash

   to make a long cut across something with force

Examples

• "L'épée l'a balafrée au visage."

  The sword slashed her across the face.

• "Un coup de couteau l'a balafrée pour la vie."

  A knife wound scarred her for life.

• "Son visage était balafrée par une cicatrice profonde."

  His face was marked by a deep scar.

Usage

Balafrer is a transitive verb used primarily in literary or formal contexts to describe cutting or wounding, especially the face or body. The noun balafre (scar) is more commonly used in everyday French. Often appears in the past participle form (balafrée/balafrés) as an adjective describing a scarred face.