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Maim Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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maim

[meษชm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

violent

To maim means to injure someone so severely that part of their body is permanently damaged.

Synonyms

disable, harm, injure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maim

Typically used when someone is seriously injured and loses part or all of their ability to function normally, often permanently. This word has a negative connotation.

  • The explosion maimed several soldiers, leaving them with lifelong disabilities.
  • He was maimed in a car accident and can no longer walk.
injure

Used to describe physical harm to a person or animal. It can range from minor to severe injuries.

  • She injured her leg while playing soccer.
  • The workers were injured in the factory accident.
harm

Generally used to describe any form of injury or damage, whether physical, emotional, or material. It is often less severe than 'maim' or 'disable'.

  • He didn't mean to harm anyone with his actions.
  • Too much sun exposure can harm your skin.
disable

This word is usually used in a clinical or technical sense to describe someone or something being rendered unable to function, either temporarily or permanently.

  • The virus disabled the hospital's computer systems, causing chaos.
  • An accident disabled him for life, making him unable to work.

Examples of usage

  • He was maimed in a car accident and lost the use of his legs.
  • The explosion maimed several innocent bystanders.
  • The bear maimed the hiker during the attack.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

In legal terms, maim refers to the act of disabling or disfiguring someone by depriving them of the use of a limb.

Synonyms

disablement, maiming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
maim

Same as 'maim'; typically used in situations involving severe injury leading to permanent damage. Both 'maim' and 'maiming' are less formal but carry a similar intense negative connotation.

  • He was maimed in the war and could never walk again.
  • The attack left her maimed for life.
disablement

This term is used in a more general and formal context to describe the state of being disabled. It can be physical, mental, or involve other types of impairments. It is often used in legal, medical, or official documents.

  • The policy covers disablement due to accidents at work.
  • After his disablement, he received support from various charities.
maiming

This word refers to the act of causing severe injury that results in permanent damage. It is used to emphasize the process or action of maiming and carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The villain was known for maiming his victims.
  • The cruelty of the maiming was shocking to everyone.

Examples of usage

  • The court ruled that the attack constituted maim under the law.
  • The victim filed a lawsuit for the maiming he suffered.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The act of maiming appears frequently in literature as a symbol of conflict and loss, reflecting the harsh realities of war.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s tragedies, physical impairment often serves as a powerful emotional metaphor for the internal damage characters suffer.
  • Modern novels sometimes use the theme of maiming to explore the long-term effects of violence on individuals and society.

Psychology

  • In studies of trauma, experiences of being maimed or witnessing such acts can lead to long-lasting psychological effects, like PTSD.
  • The fear of being maimed often relates to deeper anxieties about vulnerability and loss of autonomy.
  • Maiming is also examined in discussions of aggression, looking at how physical harm reflects broader societal issues.

Pop Culture

  • Violent video games often portray characters who maim as a part of their storyline, which can lead to discussions about desensitization to violence.
  • In films and horror stories, maiming is often used as a shocking plot device to highlight danger and provoke strong emotional responses from viewers.
  • Music and lyrics sometimes address themes of maiming and injury, often metaphorically, to reflect emotional pain or societal issues.

Origin of 'maim'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'mahaignier' which means 'to injure' or 'to damage'.
  • It has roots in Latin 'mฤnicus', meaning 'to maim' or 'disable', showing a long history of use.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, mostly in a military context.

The word 'maim' has Middle English and Old French origins, derived from the Latin 'mutilare', meaning 'to cut off'. The term has been used historically to describe severe injuries, especially in combat or violent incidents.

See also: maiming.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,025, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.