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mayhem

noun

/ˈmeɪhɛm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of mayhem

A state of violent and chaotic disorder, often characterized by widespread destruction and confusion.
"The mayhem on the streets was too much for the police to handle."

Detailed meaning of mayhem

When there is mayhem, there is often a sense of danger and unpredictability, with people and things being thrown into disarray. The term "mayhem" can be used to describe a wide range of situations, such as a riot, a natural disaster, or a battle. The chaos associated with mayhem can be caused by a variety of factors, such as people acting aggressively, buildings collapsing, or nature unleashing its fury. Overall, the term "mayhem" suggests a sense of violent and chaotic destruction, often with a sense of danger and unpredictability, which can result in widespread damage and loss.

Example sentences containing mayhem

1. The riot resulted in utter mayhem as protesters clashed with the police.
2. The children's playtime turned into mayhem when they started running and screaming in every direction.
3. The car accident caused mayhem on the busy highway, with vehicles piled up and traffic at a standstill.
4. The unruly crowd at the concert created mayhem, pushing and shoving to get closer to the stage.
5. The prankster unleashed mayhem by releasing a swarm of bees in the classroom.
6. The unexpected power outage caused mayhem in the office, with computers shutting down and people scrambling in the dark.

History and etymology of mayhem

The noun 'mayhem' has its etymological origins in Old English and Old French. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'mǣw,' which referred to bodily harm or injury, especially injuries that resulted in the loss of a limb. In Old French, the term 'maheimer' meant to injure or mutilate intentionally. Over time, 'mayhem' evolved to describe a state of violent and chaotic disorder, often characterized by widespread destruction and confusion. This transformation in meaning reflects the idea that a situation of chaos and destruction can result in injuries and harm, akin to the original sense of the word related to bodily injury. Therefore, the etymology of 'mayhem' highlights its historical connection to both physical harm and widespread disorder and turmoil.

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Further usage examples of mayhem

1. The kitchen was in a state of mayhem as the chef prepared multiple dishes simultaneously.
2. The mayhem on Black Friday was evident with shoppers fighting over discounted items.
3. The cat chased after a mouse, causing mayhem as it knocked over vases and furniture in its path.
4. The thunderstorm wreaked mayhem in the neighborhood, uprooting trees and causing power outages.
5. The football match turned into mayhem when a controversial decision by the referee sparked a brawl on the field.
6. The circus performance was filled with acrobats, clowns, and controlled mayhem.
7. The party quickly descended into mayhem as guests started dancing on tables and throwing confetti.
8. The children's birthday party was filled with laughter and mayhem as they played games and tore open presents.
9. The bank robbery resulted in mayhem, with customers and staff ducking for cover as gunshots echoed through the building.
10. The mayhem in the aftermath of the earthquake was overwhelming, with people searching for loved ones amidst the rubble.
11. The science experiment went wrong, causing a small explosion and mayhem in the laboratory.
12. The parade turned into mayhem when the floats collided, causing a chain reaction of chaos.
13. The mayhem of the busy marketplace was exhilarating, with vendors shouting and customers haggling for the best prices.
14. The mayhem of the amusement park during peak hours made it difficult to navigate through the crowds.
15. The bar turned into mayhem when the rival gangs started fighting.
16. The storm caused absolute mayhem in the city, with downed trees and power lines everywhere.
17. The children caused mayhem in the classroom while the teacher was away.
18. The explosion caused mayhem in the laboratory, damaging equipment and injuring researchers.
19. The traffic jam caused mayhem on the highways, with drivers honking and shouting at each other.
20. The concert turned into mayhem when the band started throwing objects into the crowd.
21. The bank robbery caused mayhem in the town, with police cars racing through the streets.
22. The party turned into mayhem when the guests started breaking furniture and smashing bottles.
23. The earthquake caused mayhem in the city, with buildings collapsing and people trapped under rubble.
24. The football match turned into mayhem when the referee made a controversial decision.
25. The food fight in the cafeteria caused mayhem, with students slipping and sliding on the mess.