Harm: meaning, definitions and examples

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harm

 

[ hɑːm ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

cause of injury or damage

Harm refers to physical or mental damage caused by someone or something. It can be intentional or unintentional. Harm can result from actions, words, or even negligence.

Synonyms

damage, hurt, injury

Examples of usage

  • Hitting someone can cause physical harm.
  • Spreading rumors can cause harm to someone's reputation.
  • Neglecting to provide proper care can harm a person's health.
Context #2 | Verb

to cause damage or injury

When used as a verb, harm means to cause damage or injury to someone or something. It implies an action that results in negative consequences.

Synonyms

damage, hurt, injure

Examples of usage

  • The storm harmed the crops in the field.
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals can harm your health.

Translations

Translations of the word "harm" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dano

🇮🇳 हानि

🇩🇪 Schaden

🇮🇩 kerugian

🇺🇦 шкода

🇵🇱 szkoda

🇯🇵 害 (がい)

🇫🇷 dommage

🇪🇸 daño

🇹🇷 zarar

🇰🇷 해 (hae)

🇸🇦 ضرر

🇨🇿 poškození

🇸🇰 škoda

🇨🇳 损害 (sǔnhài)

🇸🇮 škoda

🇮🇸 skaði

🇰🇿 зиян

🇬🇪 ზიანი

🇦🇿 zərər

🇲🇽 daño

Etymology

The word 'harm' originated from the Old English word 'hearm', which meant physical or moral injury, evil, or pain. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in the English language. The concept of harm has always been significant in human societies, as understanding and preventing harm is essential for the well-being of individuals and communities.

See also: harmed, harmful, harmfully, harmfulness, harming, harmless, harmony, unharmed.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,229, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.