maim — to wound or injure someone so as to cause permanent damage
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to wound or injure someone so as to cause permanent damage
Pronunciation (IPA): /meɪm/
Example Sentences
- The villain's evil plan was to maim all the superheroes so they couldn't save the world anymore.
- Landmines continue to maim civilians long after wars have ended.
- The mad scientist threatened to maim anyone who dared to enter his secret laboratory.
maim
VERB[/meɪm/]
to wound or injure someone so as to cause permanent damage
Permanently injuring someone's body
Those who maim must carry blame and shame
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old French 'mahaignier', meaning 'to wound' or 'to injure'. During the medieval period, it was primarily used to describe the act of disabling an enemy in warfare, referring to the infliction of serious bodily harm that rendered a person incapable of combat.
Breakdown
Old French 'mahaignier' (to wound) → Middle English 'mahemen' → Modern English 'maim'. The word underwent phonetic simplification and semantic consolidation, eventually settling into its current form denoting the permanent crippling or mutilation of a person.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The villain's evil plan was to maim all the superheroes so they couldn't save the world anymore.”
“Landmines continue to maim civilians long after wars have ended.”
“The mad scientist threatened to maim anyone who dared to enter his secret laboratory.”
“Industrial accidents can maim workers if proper safety measures are not followed.”
📚Related Words
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