Synonyms of maim

maim

verb

ˈmām 

as in to incapacitate

to cause severe or permanent injury to

on-the-job accidents maim far too many workers every year

Synonyms & Similar Words

• incapacitate
• cripple
• injure
• wound
• mutilate
• kill
• disable
• scar
• damage
• hurt
• bruise
• paralyze
• lame
• hit
• dismember
• disfigure
• maul
• lacerate
• harm
• beat
• hobble
• mangle
• impair
• rough (up)
• hamstring
• murder
• lick
• wing
• pummel
• bludgeon
• torture
• gore
• smash
• slap
• batter
• smack
• punch
• spank
• torment
• hammer
• whip
• pound
• whack
• pelt
• bang
• box
• flog
• bash
• thump
• belt
• swat
• lash
• thrash
• paste
• lambaste
• swipe
• bung up
• sock
• kneecap
• buffet
• break
• drub
• wallop
• lace
• thwack
• pommel

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• heal
• cure
• rehabilitate
• remedy
• fix
• patch
• restore
• repair
• renew
• mend
• doctor
• rejuvenate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb maim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of maim are batter, cripple, mangle, and mutilate. While all these words 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

When would batter be a good substitute for maim?

The words batter and maim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate.

an old ship battered by fierce storms

In what contexts can cripple take the place of maim?

The words cripple and maim can be used in similar contexts, but cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg.

crippled for life in an accident

When is it sensible to use mangle instead of maim?

In some situations, the words mangle and maim are roughly equivalent. However, mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds.

a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel

When can mutilate be used instead of maim?

Although the words mutilate and maim have much in common, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of maim

Recently, when Gonzalez maimed three fingers in a firework accident and spent weeks in the hospital, his neighbors house-sat and guarded his belongings. —Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026

During a panel, women shared stories of being shot and maimed for protesting the Iranian government. —Sarah Bahari, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026

Critics worldwide argue that cluster munitions kill or maim indiscriminately, with unexploded bomblets remaining dangerous long after their use. —Melanie Lidman, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

For nearly half a century, Iran has been a thorn in the side of the United States, killing and maiming American soldiers, butchering Israeli citizens, threatening its neighbors and fostering terror around the globe. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026