Which word describes the act of destroying or severely injuring something?

The act of destroying or severely injuring something can be effectively described using the word "mutilate." This term specifically refers to inflicting serious damage or injury to a body part, often resulting in disfigurement. It conveys a sense of physical alteration that is typically severe and detrimental, aligning with the context of causing significant harm or destruction.

While "demolish," "devastate," and "ruin" also relate to destruction, they don't carry the same nuanced implication of physical injury inherent in "mutilate." "Demolish" usually refers to tearing down structures, "devastate" implies overwhelming destruction, often in a broader context such as natural disasters, and "ruin" indicates a state of having been spoiled or taken away from its original condition. Thus, the word "mutilate" stands out as the most precise term for the specific act of severely injuring something in a physical, often graphic, manner.