Help
/hɛlp/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo assist or support someone or something; to make it easier for someone to do something.
/hɛlp/
To give assistance or support to someone.
She helped her friend move into their new apartment.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is carrying a bunch of groceries and drops one. 'Help!' you say, reaching down to pick it up. Helping means making things easier or better for someone.
👶 For kids: To do something that makes it easier for someone or something.
More Examples
I can help you with your homework.
The government is helping to provide aid to the disaster victims.
How It's Used
"Can you help me with this task?"
"The nurse helped the patient to sit up."
"We helped the homeless by providing food."
Assistance or support, often offered to someone in need.
/hɛlp/
The act of assisting or supporting someone.
I need your help with this.
💡 Simply: If someone gives you a hand when you're struggling, that's 'help'. It's what you need when things are tough.
👶 For kids: When you do something that makes things easier for someone.
More Examples
We provided help to the victims of the earthquake.
The teacher offered help to the struggling students.
How It's Used
"He offered his help without hesitation."
"The organization provides help to those in need."
"She received financial help from her family."
A call for aid or assistance.
/hɛlp/
A cry for assistance or to signal distress.
Help! There's a fire!
💡 Simply: When you're in trouble and you need someone to come to your rescue, you shout 'Help!'
👶 For kids: When you need someone to make things better.
More Examples
She cried out for help when she saw the snake.
Help! I'm lost.
How It's Used
"Help! I've fallen and can't get up!"
""Help!" she shouted when she saw the spider."
Idioms & expressions
Help yourself
To take something freely without waiting for permission or an offer.
"Please, help yourself to some cookies."
Can't help but...
To be unable to avoid or prevent a particular feeling or action.
"I can't help but laugh when he tells jokes."
From Old English *helpan*, from Proto-Germanic *helpaną*, meaning 'to help, assist'.
The word 'help' has been used in English since the Old English period, and its meaning has remained largely consistent.
Memory tip
Think of a hand extending to assist someone.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: *helpaną