Heel

/hiːl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The back part of the human foot below the ankle.
He stepped on a sharp object and hurt the heel of his foot.
The rounded, projecting part of a shoe, typically at the back.
She chose a pair of heels to go with her evening gown.
The part of a sock or stocking that covers the heel of the foot.
The heel of the sock began to wear out after several washes.
A person who behaves in a dishonorable, contemptible, or mean-spirited manner.
He was known as a heel for betraying his friends.
verb
To follow someone closely, as a dog might follow its owner.
The dog heels closely to its owner during their walks.
To bring a card to the top of a deck or pile by placing it on the heel of the deck.
Hehealed the cards as he shuffled them for the next game.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English 'hælan', meaning 'to heal; to protect'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

heel turn
A sudden change of allegiance or behavior, typically in a dramatic context.
to heel
To follow closely or obediently.
on one's heel
In a position to follow or be in close pursuit.

Related Words

arch
The curved part of the foot that helps in weight distribution.
ankle
The joint connecting the foot and the leg.
toes
The digits of the foot.

Slang Meanings

A contemptible or dishonorable person.
He acted like a real heel during the meeting.
A character who is a villain in a story or a show.
The heel in the wrestling match got booed by the crowd.