What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
maimed
Example
The explosion maimed several soldiers, leaving them with permanent injuries. [maimed: verb]
Example
The dog was maimed in the car accident and had to be put down. [maimed: adjective]
incapacitate
Example
The flu incapacitated him for a week, and he had to take time off work. [incapacitated: verb]
Example
The broken engine incapacitated the boat, leaving them stranded at sea. [incapacitated: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incapacitate is more commonly used than maimed in everyday language. Incapacitate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while maimed is less common and refers to a specific type of injury.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between maimed and incapacitate?
Both maimed and incapacitate are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as medical or legal settings.