verb
maim
maym
Maim (verb) means to injure someone so severely that part of their body is permanently damaged or disabled. Example: “The explosion maimed several bystanders.”
verb
1
To injure someone so severely that part of their body is permanently damaged or disabled.
"The explosion maimed several bystanders."
"The accident left him maimed for life."
How to use maim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo wound someone so badly that they lose the use of a limb or body part permanently.
When to use it
A strong, serious word — usually appears in news reports of violence, accidents, or war, not everyday injuries.
Common pairings
killed or maimed
maimed for life
maim and injure
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Word forms
- Plural
- maims
- Third person singular
- maims
- Past tense
- maimed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The explosion _____ several bystanders.
Etymology
From Middle English maymen, from Anglo-Norman mahaigner — the same root that gives us "mayhem."
Related words
Rhymes for maim
See all rhymes for maim →Frequently asked questions
What does “maim” mean?
The word “maim” means to injure someone so severely that part of their body is permanently damaged or disabled. In plain terms, to wound someone so badly that they lose the use of a limb or body part permanently.
How do you pronounce “maim”?
“Maim” is pronounced maym (/meɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “maim” in a sentence?
Here is “maim” used in a sentence: “The explosion maimed several bystanders.”
What part of speech is “maim”?
“Maim” is a verb.
Where does the word “maim” come from?
The word “maim” comes from Middle English. From Middle English maymen, from Anglo-Norman mahaigner — the same root that gives us "mayhem.".
