Mayhem Mayhem

Mayhem - Definition and Overview

Related Words: Breakdown, Chaos, Collapse, Confusion, Cripple, Damage, Destruction, Detriment, Dismember, Disorder, Harm, Hurt, Impairment

The word mayhem has several meanings:

  • Original meaning: a crime consisting of the act of maiming; in many jurisdictions this offense has been subsumed by the crime of aggravated assault
  • Modern usual usage: havoc and disorder (often with humorous overtones). This meaning arose from the public while reading newspapers, misunderstanding the common journalese phrase "rioting and mayhem"
  • A black metal music group: Mayhem (band)
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