maim

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of maim Turquoise Morton, 38, is charged with abandoning a domestic animal and animal cruelty for allegedly torturing, tormenting, or maiming a dog. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 20 May 2025 Landmines have killed or maimed tens of thousands of civilians across the world and continue to cause harm. Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 11 May 2025 Even after Punk hit the GTS, Punk refused to cover Rollins since this match was about maiming one another. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 More than 600 species of venomous snakes roam the earth, biting as many as 2.7 million people, killing about 120,000 people and maiming 400,000 others — numbers thought to be vast underestimates. Apoorva Mandavilli, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for maim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maim
Verb
  • Most states require adults to appoint someone to make medical decisions, including authorizing treatment, if they become incapacitated.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 15 June 2025
  • Using a drone, state police were able to determine that both suspects were incapacitated, having suffered apparent gunshot injuries, Fusaro said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • About six weeks ago, hackers crippled the computer systems of the TV and mobile phone provider Dish Network.
    Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2023
  • Oakland Mills Coach: Chris Brewington Last season: Class 2A state champion Outlook: Losing the talent Oakland Mills did from last year’s outdoor season would cripple most programs, but the Scorpions have reloaded.
    Anthony Maluso, Baltimore Sun, 22 Mar. 2023
Verb
  • The plane broke apart, killing all six people onboard and injuring eight people on the ground.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
  • The conflict entered its seventh day on Thursday, with Iran launching a strike that hit a major hospital in Israel, injuring at least 240 people and causing extensive damage.
    Sonam Sheth, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Two people were wounded in another Ukrainian drone attack on the city of Bryansk in western Russia, regional Gov. Alexander Bogomaz said Sunday morning, adding that seven more Ukrainian drones had been shot down over the region.
    Volodymyr Yurchuk, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025
  • Six people were wounded in Cherkasy, including a child, regional Gov. Ihor Taburets said.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Anderson was charged April 12 with intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse and arson in connection with Robinson’s death, according to court documents.
    Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 9 June 2025
  • The couple gruesomely continued to mutilate McMorrow, allegedly hoping to conceal his identity.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • One Cambodian soldier was killed in a relatively small, contested area.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 June 2025
  • Gaza’s Health Ministry on Sunday said that another 88 people have been killed by Israeli fire over the past 24 hours, raising the war’s toll among Palestinians to 56,500.
    Tia Goldenberg, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Maim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maim. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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