Harm

/hɑrm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Physical injury, especially that which is deliberately inflicted.

The accident caused serious harm to the driver.

Emotional damage or distress.

She suffered a great deal of emotional harm from the relationship.

A cause of injury or damage.

The pollution in the river poses a harm to aquatic life.

verb

To injure or damage.

The hurricane could harm many buildings if it makes landfall.

To hurt emotionally or psychologically.

His harsh words did not harm her, as she had grown stronger over time.

To adversely affect or impact.

Smoking can harm your health in multiple ways.

From Old English 'sarme', meaning 'to injure'.

no harm, no foul

A situation in which no one is seriously affected.

harm's way

A dangerous situation or position.

do no harm

A principle to avoid causing suffering or damage.

hurt

To cause pain or injury to someone.

injure

To do harm to someone or something.

damage

Physical harm that impairs the value or usefulness.