maim
1maim
verb \ˈmām\Definition of MAIM
transitive verb
1
: to commit the felony of mayhem upon
2
: to mutilate, disfigure, or wound seriously
— maim·er noun
Examples of MAIM
- The bomb killed 16 people and maimed several others.
- <on-the-job accidents maim far too many workers every year>
Origin of MAIM
Middle English maymen, mahaymen, from Anglo-French maheimer, mahaigner — more at mayhem
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to MAIM
Related Words: dismember, hamstring, hobble, paralyze; batter, bruise, bung up, mangle, maul, rough (up); gore, lacerate, wing, wound; disfigure, scar; kneecap; break, damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure; bash, beat, belt, bludgeon, buffet, drub, hammer, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lick, paste, pelt, pommel, pound, pummel, thump; bang, box, hit, punch, slap, smack, smash, sock, spank, swat, swipe, thrash, thwack, whack; flog, lash, wallop, whip; kill, murder; torment, torture
Synonym Discussion of MAIM
maim, cripple, mutilate, batter, mangle mean to injure so severely as to cause lasting damage. maim implies the loss or injury of a bodily member through violence <maimed by a shark>. cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg <crippled for life in an accident>. mutilate implies the cutting off or removal of an essential part of a person or thing thereby impairing its completeness, beauty, or function <a tree mutilated by inept pruning>. batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate <an old ship battered by fierce storms>. mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds <a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel>.
Learn More About MAIM
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up maim? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

See







