harm

¹

[ hahrm ]

noun

1. physical injury or mental damage; hurt:

   to do him bodily harm.

   Antonyms: benefit

2. moral injury; evil; wrong.

verb (used with object)

1. to do or cause harm to; injure; damage; hurt:

   to harm one's reputation.

   Synonyms: abuse, maltreat

   Antonyms: help

HARM

²

[ hahrm ]

noun

, Military.

1. a U.S. air-to-surface missile designed to detect and destroy radar sites by homing on their emissions.

harm

/ hɑːm /

noun

1. physical or mental injury or damage
2. moral evil or wrongdoing

verb

1. tr to injure physically, morally, or mentally

Derived Forms

• ˈharmer, noun

Other Words From

• harmer noun
• self-harming adjective
• un·harmed adjective
• un·harming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of harm¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hearm; cognate with German Harm, Old Norse harmr

Origin of harm²

H(igh-speed) A(nti) R(adiation) M(issile)

Word History and Origins

Origin of harm¹

Old English hearm; related to Old Norse harmr grief, Old High German harm injury, Old Slavonic sramǔ disgrace

Idioms and Phrases

see do one wrong (harm) ; out of harm's way .

Synonym Study

See damage.

Example Sentences

For a conviction on a charge of manslaughter, the jury must be sure that the defendants intended to cause “some physical harm”, he added.

From BBC

"It adequately reflects the strong condemnation by the international community for the crimes committed by him and acknowledges the significant harm and suffering caused to the victims," she added.

From BBC

Overcrowded prisons can be dangerous for inmates and staff, as well as harming the prospects of rehabilitation.

From BBC

“Our broken Healthcare System harms everyday Americans, and crushes our Country’s budget,” Trump said.

From Los Angeles Times

But he said nobody in the hospital had suspected Letby was harming children prior to that date.

From BBC

Related Words

• abuse
• damage
• disservice
• impairment
• loss
• mischief
• misuse
• sabotage
• vandalism
• violence
• wrong