To fit something into a space or frame; to insert and secure (e.g. a pane, a cork, a button).
窓ガラスを額縁にはめる。
Fit the window glass into the frame.
ワインの栓をしっかり瓶にはめておいた。
I firmly fitted the cork into the wine bottle.
新しい電池をケースにきちんとはめてください。
Please fit the new battery properly into the case.
To put on something that encloses or covers (e.g. a ring, gloves); to attach or fit something around (e.g. a hose to a tap).
結婚指輪を左手の薬指にはめた。
He/She put the wedding ring on the left ring finger.
外で作業するときは必ず手袋をはめてください。
Be sure to put on gloves when working outside.
ホースを蛇口にはめて水を出す。
Attach the hose to the tap and turn on the water.
To pigeonhole or force something/someone into a particular category or mold; to impose restrictions or conform something to a preset pattern.
人を一つの型にはめるのはよくない。
It's not good to put people into a single mold.
この理論をすべての事例に当てはめるのは無理だ。
It's impossible to apply this theory to every case.
古い基準に現代の問題を無理にはめるべきではない。
You shouldn't force modern problems into old standards.
To entrap, deceive, or set someone up; to trick someone into a disadvantageous situation.
彼はライバルをはめて会社を追い出した。
He framed his rival and drove him out of the company.
あの手口で人をはめるのは犯罪だ。
Trapping people with that method is a crime.
友達に冗談で罠にはめられた。
I was set up in a prank by my friend.
To throw or put something into a place or state (broad/occasionally archaic use); to thrust or place into a container or situation.
古い書類を段ボール箱にはめて倉庫に送った。
I packed the old documents into cardboard boxes and sent them to the storage.
彼を危険な状況にはめてしまったことを後悔している。
I regret having thrown him into a dangerous situation.
Colloquial/vulgar slang meaning to have sex (often written as ハメる). It is crude and should be used with caution.
スラングで「ハメる」は性交するという意味で使われることがある。
In slang, 'ハメる' can be used to mean having sex.
その表現は下品だから公の場で『ハメる』と言わない方がいい。
That expression is vulgar, so it's better not to say 'ハメる' in public.