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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

maimed past tense, maims plural, maims singular

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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."

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for maim

aim claim Chaim acclaim exclaim Ephraim reclaim proclaim

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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.".