MAYHEM Meaning and
Definition
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Mayhem is a noun that refers to a state of violent chaos, disorder, or extreme confusion. It is often used to describe a situation or event that involves a complete lack of control, leading to destruction, havoc, and widespread harm or injury. Mayhem is characterized by an outbreak of intense, uncontrolled violence, tumult, or commotion.
In legal contexts, mayhem is defined as the act of deliberately or intentionally causing serious bodily harm to another person, usually resulting in the loss of a body part or disfigurement. Historically, it was considered a specific crime under common law, often associated with maliciously maiming or injuring someone with the intent to disable or disfigure them.
The term mayhem can also describe a metaphorical sense of destruction or turmoil in non-physical contexts. For instance, it may refer to an event or situation that causes complete disruption and confusion, often leading to negative consequences. This could encompass scenarios such as political unrest, economic collapse, natural disasters, or even chaotic organizational environments.
Overall, mayhem conveys a sense of extreme disorder, often accompanied by violence or destructive actions. It represents a state of utter chaos and disruption, both in physical and metaphorical contexts, where normal functioning is severely compromised.
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The inflicting of a violent bodily injury which more or less incapacitates the victim.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for MAYHEM *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for MAYHEM
Etymology of MAYHEM
The word "mayhem" originated from the Old French term "maiem" which was derived from the Late Latin word "māla impedīre" meaning "to disable or maim". In the legal context of medieval England, "mayhem" referred specifically to the act of unlawfully disabling or disfiguring someone by mutilating their body. Over time, the meaning of the word broadened to include any violent or chaotic behavior, leading to the modern usage of "mayhem" to describe a state of disorder, confusion, or havoc.
Similar spelling words for MAYHEM
- mama,
- mahony,
- mammy,
- ma'am,
- mahimahi,
- maine,
- Maune,
- Mahone,
- mane,
- Mayhan,
- mamey,
- mam,
- many,
- mahon,
- many a,
- Mayne,
- Mamie,
- MAHN,
- mamo,
- maim,
- mamma,
- Mayme,
- maney,
- mahan,
- Manie.
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