Maim Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Maim, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Maim?

History and Meaning of Maim

The term "maim" has its origins in the Old French word "maimer," meaning "to wound." Maiming is the act of inflicting severe bodily injury on a person, which may cause permanent harm, disfigurement or incapacitation. Various actions can qualify as maiming, including but not limited to slicing off a limb, gouging out an eye, or cutting off the nose or ear. In most jurisdictions, maiming is considered a serious crime and carries significant penalties.

Examples of Maim

1. A person who has lost an arm or a leg due to a violent attack could be considered a victim of maiming.
2. An individual who has been blinded or disfigured by acid thrown at them would be considered a victim of maiming.
3. A victim of domestic violence who has suffered severe disfigurement, such as a slashed face, could be considered a victim of maiming.
4. A person who has a limb amputated due to medical negligence may claim that they have been maimed.
5. An individual who has been rendered unconscious due to a violent attack and has sustained a traumatic brain injury could be considered a victim of maiming.

Legal Terms Similar to Maim

1. Aggravated assault – This is an assault that involves the same elements as a simple assault, but with additional aggravating factors that make it more severe. An assault that results in severe injury may be considered an aggravated assault.
2. Mayhem – This is a crime that is similar to maiming, but involves the intentional dismemberment or disabling of a victim's body part(s) rather than just causing physical harm.
3. Battery – This crime involves the unlawful touching of another person, and can also involve the violent harming of another person's body. Battery that results in severe injury may be considered maiming.