How Do You Spell MAYHEM?

Pronunciation: [mˈe͡ɪhɛm] (IPA)

Mayhem (/ˈmeɪhɛm/) is a word that refers to a situation of chaos or disorder. The spelling of the word is derived from the Old French word 'maheu', meaning injury or harm. The pronunciation of the word 'mayhem' follows the English conventions of the IPA phonetic transcription. The 'ay' vowel sound is pronounced as in 'made', and the second syllable 'hem' is pronounced like the word 'hemline'. The silent 'h' at the beginning of the word is a common feature in English spelling.

MAYHEM Meaning and Definition

  1. 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.

  2. The inflicting of a violent bodily injury which more or less incapacitates the victim.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. See maim.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for MAYHEM *

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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

Plural form of MAYHEM is MAYHEMS

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