MAIM Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

maim

verb

ˈmām

Definition of maim

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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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 Its entire loop revolved around strategic mechanical dismemberment, a concept perfected all the way back in Ninja Gaiden 2, where maiming enemies directly fed into brutal instant finishers. — Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026 During one part of his history, Angel was maimed and his wings were replaced by metal projectile-shooting wings by the villain Apocalpyse. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 Penal Code 597 states that any person who who maliciously and intentionally maims, mutilates, tortures, or wounds a living animal is guilty of a crime. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026 Demining groups say that without international support, Southeast Asia’s unfinished work clearing land mines and unexploded bombs will continue to endanger communities, maiming and killing people and slowing development for years to come. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for maim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for maim

Verb

According to the suit, Jane Doe was beset by seven men while she was incapacitated by drugs and alcohol.

— Anahid Nersessian, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026
Prosecutors allege Freire raped one of the women while she was incapacitated, took photographs of the unconscious roommates and shared the images with others.

— Alice Gainer, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of incapacitate

Verb

At least one person died and more than a dozen were injured in a major Ukrainian drone strike yesterday on Saint Petersburg, Russia's former imperial capital.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026
Continue reading … NATION IN MOURNING — Canadian service members killed, 19 critically injured after fire rips through base.

— , FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of injure

Verb

Another six people were wounded, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced last week (in an interview with Pizzagate conspiracist Jack Posobiec) that the Pentagon would air the execution of the man convicted of the attack that killed 13 and wounded 30 more.

— Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of wound

Verb

East Village resident Daniel Rakowitz was charged with killing and mutilating a female acquaintance in 1989, then trying to get rid of the evidence by making soup out of her remains and serving it in Tompkins Square Park.

— Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 23 Sep. 2026
The equipment was mutilated and ash-covered, and the digital camera’s lens was sheared off.

— Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of mutilate

Verb

Hundreds of Palestinians have been attacked and a few have been killed this olive harvest alone, which started in late September, rights groups have said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Police were investigating what caused the pickup truck to barrel through a soccer field, killing a man and a child.

— Maggie Vespa, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of kill

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maimed

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“Maim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/maim. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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