maim

verb

ˈmām How to pronounce maim (audio)
Definition of maimnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Here, that combination is less jarring because the slaughter flows organically from the premise: Because Nate doesn’t respond much to pain, he gets beaten and maimed even harder. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 Ukraine has lost as many as 300,000 troops killed, maimed or AWOL, in Frontelligence Insight’s estimation. — David Axe, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025 Reportedly, between June and December 2024 alone, more than 900 cases of gross child rights violations were recorded, with 80% involving killings or maiming, primarily in Darfur, Khartoum, and Al Jazirah States. — Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025 Another fifteen or so had been injured, including some who would likely be maimed for the rest of their lives. — Michael Luo, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for maim
  1. incapacitate
  2. cripple
  3. injure
  4. wound
  5. mutilate
  6. kill
Verb
  • The program, now in its 23rd year, partners with programs serving elderly and incapacitated adults across Lake County to develop a continuum of elder law advocacy and guardianship services, the release said.
    — Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
  • In the two years since Tommy Elliott was killed in a mass shooting, Maryanne’s grief has, in turns, left her aghast and overwhelmed, bewildered and incapacitated, grateful and wanting to die.
    — Kristina Goetz, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of incapacitate
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
Definition of cripple
Verb
  • In Arkansas, officials reported that three people died and 29 others were injured following overnight storms.
    — Emma Bowman, NPR, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Three people died in Independence County, Arkansas, according to the state division of emergency management and 32 people were injured across eight counties.
    — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of injure
Verb
  • Sheriff McDowell, who's on the ground wounded, sees Banner kill Clyde.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • On April 2, Russian forces launched multiple strikes on residential areas in the front line city of Pokrovsk, killing one civilian and wounding six others.
    — Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of wound
Verb
  • Some teens swap class rings to solidify their relationship, but Melissa and Shauna seal the deal by mutilating their soccer coach.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
  • According to Israeli forensic and intelligence reports, the Hamas kidnappers murdered these children in November 2023 with their bare hands by strangulating and then mutilating the bodies.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of mutilate
Verb
  • Rick kills one of the security men, as Chelsea is shot in the chest.
    — Colleen Kratofil, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In Arkansas, a 5-year-old was killed Saturday by storms in the capital of Little Rock.
    — Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of kill

Browse Nearby Words

mails
maim
maimed
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Cite this Entry

“Maim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maim. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.

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