Harm
/hɑːrm/
Definitions
2 meaningsPhysical or emotional injury or damage; something that causes injury.
/hɑːrm/
Physical or emotional injury or damage.
The accident resulted in serious physical harm.
💡 Simply: Harm is like hurting someone, either their body or their feelings. For example, if you take someone's toy without asking, that could cause them harm because they'll be sad. Like a boo-boo, it's something bad that happens.
👶 For kids: Harm means to hurt someone or something. Like if you push someone, that's harm!
More Examples
Emotional abuse can cause significant psychological harm.
She wouldn't intentionally cause harm to anyone.
How It's Used
"The defendant was found guilty of causing harm to the victim."
"The side effects of the medication could potentially cause harm."
To inflict physical or emotional injury or damage on someone or something.
/hɑːrm/
To cause physical or emotional injury or damage.
The chemicals can harm the wildlife.
💡 Simply: To harm someone is like giving them a 'boo-boo' – making them sad, upset, or causing them pain. Like when you accidentally step on your friend's foot, that's harming them a little bit.
👶 For kids: To harm means to hurt someone or something. Like, you can harm a plant by stepping on it.
More Examples
His lies harmed her reputation.
I didn't mean to harm your feelings.
How It's Used
"The company's actions harmed the environment."
"His harsh words harmed their friendship."
Idioms & expressions
do no harm
To avoid causing damage or injury; to act without causing any negative consequences.
"The doctor's first principle is 'do no harm'."
out of harm's way
In a safe place, where one cannot be injured or harmed.
"The children were put out of harm's way during the storm."
From Middle English harm, from Old English hearm ('sorrow, injury, damage'), from Proto-Germanic *harmaz ('harm, injury').
The word 'harm' has been used since the Old English period, initially denoting a feeling of sorrow or grief, then evolving to signify injury or damage.
Memory tip
Think of a 'harm' as a 'scar' – it's something that leaves a mark, either physically or emotionally.