harm

Formsharms, harming, harmed

1. 1
   noununcountable

   Hurt or damage done to a person's body.

   Like the damage a crash does to a car, but to a body.

   The fall caused no harm to the child.

   Wearing a helmet protects your head from harm.

   Similarinjury, hurt, damage

2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To damage or break something, usually a thing rather than a person.

   Like a stain that ruins a clean shirt.

   Too much sun can harm the paint on your car.

   Strong cleaners may harm wooden floors.

   Similardamage, impair, weaken, spoil, hurt

   Oppositeprotect, preserve

3. 3
   noununcountable

   Hurt to a person's feelings or mind, not their body.

   Like a bruise you can't see, but still feel.

   Harsh words can do real harm to a child's confidence.

   She meant no harm when she made the joke.

   Similardamage, hurt, injury

4. 4
   noununcountable

   A bad result or loss that affects someone or something.

   Like rain spoiling a day out.

   There's no harm in asking for help.

   Skipping breakfast did him more harm than good.

   Similardamage, detriment, disadvantage

   Oppositebenefit, good, advantage

5. 5
   noununcountable

   A thing or force that causes hurt, damage, or loss.

   Like a danger waiting around the corner.

   They tried to keep all harm away from the village.

   She would let no harm come near her children.

   Similardanger, evil, peril, mischief

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