Dictionary

1maim

verb \ˈmām\

: to injure (someone) very badly by violence

Full Definition of MAIM

transitive verb
1
:  to commit the felony of mayhem upon
2
:  to mutilate, disfigure, or wound seriously
maim·er noun
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Origin of MAIM

Middle English maymen, mahaymen, from Anglo-French maheimer, mahaigner — more at mayhem
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of MAIM

maim, cripple, mutilate, batter, mangle 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>. cripple implies the loss or serious impairment of an arm or leg <crippled for life in an accident>. 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>. batter implies a series of blows that bruise deeply, deform, or mutilate <an old ship battered by fierce storms>. mangle implies a tearing or crushing that leaves deep wounds <a soldier's leg mangled by shrapnel>.

2maim

noun

Definition of MAIM

1
obsolete :  serious physical injury; especially :  loss of a member of the body
2
obsolete :  a serious loss

First Known Use of MAIM

14th century
MAIMER Defined for Kids

maim

verb \ˈmām\
maimedmaim·ing

Definition of MAIM for Kids

:  to injure badly or cripple by violence
Medical Dictionary

maim

transitive verb \ˈmām\

Medical Definition of MAIM

1
:  to commit the felony of mayhem upon
2
:  to wound seriously :  mutilate, disable

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