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 Over the course of just two days in February, 21 children were reported killed and 29 children maimed by shelling in Kadugli, South Kordofan State. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Higher speeds are more likely to kill or maim people, especially in crashes that involve pedestrians or cyclists. Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 13 Mar. 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 Each shell scatters as many as 88 grenade-sized submunitions, and can kill and maim infantry across a wide area. David Axe, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maim
Verb
  • Linda is prepared to take matters into her own hands when Nicky orchestrates a drone attack to incapacitate her, after which Charity pushes Linda off the cliff to her death.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 May 2025
  • In just one second, the United States is completely incapacitated, thousands are killed, and millions are stranded.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 29 Apr. 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
  • According to the Associated Press, no one was injured during the incident, citing court documents.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 14 May 2025
  • Two people were injured and a dozen apartments left uninhabitable following an early morning fire Wednesday at a three-story apartment building, the second residential fire in Elgin in less than a week.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • But both wound up attending St. Augustine Catholic Seminary boarding school in Michigan, studying at Villanova University in Philadelphia and earning divinity degrees together at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
    Chris Kenning, USA Today, 11 May 2025
  • After leaving the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals wound their way through the labyrinth of Vatican halls, and Pope Leo XIV was on the balcony.
    Elizabeth Dias, New York Times, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • Their bodies were mutilated and burned and others were thrown into the sea.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • But things take a huge turn when their friend Jenny is found mutilated in the middle of the woods.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • After a preliminary investigation, authorities determined the father fatally stabbed his sons and wife before killing himself.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Regular toothpaste usually has fluoride that kills the bacteria that cause cavities and plaque.
    Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maim. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on maim

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!