Definition of "mayhem" in English

noun

1. A state or situation of great confusion, disorder, trouble or destruction; chaos.

   • to cause mayhem
   • What if the legendary hero Robin Hood had been born into the mayhem of the 20th century?
   • In all the mayhem, some children were separated from their parents.

2. Infliction of violent injury on a person or thing.

   • The fighting dogs created mayhem in the flower beds.

3. (law) The maiming of a person by depriving them of the use of any of their limbs which are necessary for defense or protection.

   • to commit mayhem

4. (law) The crime of damaging things or harming people on purpose.

verb

1. (archaic, law) To commit mayhem.