To seriously hurt or damage a person's body so they can no longer use a part of it normally.
From Old French 'mahaignier' meaning 'to injure'. The word's exact origin is uncertain but may relate to Germanic roots. It entered English in the 13th century with its strong sense of permanent bodily harm.
Maim is one of the few English words that specifically means permanent injury rather than temporary damage—it suggests lasting disability, which is why it sounds so serious.
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