The term 'leave a permanent mark on' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: SCAR and ETCH. A SCAR is an area of skin that has been damaged, usually due to injury or surgery, and is marked by a change in texture or color. Etching is a process of carving or engraving a design into a hard surface, such as metal or glass, using a chemical or abrasive. Both processes leave a permanent mark on the surface.