Harm: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for causing physical or emotional pain or damage. Can be used both for people and broader contexts like the environment.

• The new law aims to reduce harm to the environment
• Spreading rumors can harm someone's reputation

Often used when talking about physical destruction or impairment to objects, property, or non-human entities.

• The storm caused significant damage to the buildings
• The software update somehow damaged my laptop

Specific to physical harm or damage to a person's body, often requiring medical attention.

• She sustained an injury during the football match
• The car accident resulted in multiple injuries

More personal and direct, often used for physical pain or emotional distress that someone feels.

• I fell and hurt my knee
• His words really hurt her feelings

Use when referring to general negative effects or consequences, can be physical, emotional, or environmental.

• Pollution can harm the ecosystem.
• Spreading rumors can harm someone's reputation.

Often used when talking about physical injury, deterioration or destruction of objects, property, or infrastructure.

• The storm caused severe damage to the houses.
• Make sure not to damage the equipment.

Used in situations involving physical injury, often in accidents or violent incidents. Commonly used in medical contexts.

• He injured his arm in the car accident.
• The athlete was injured during the game.

Typically used to express physical or emotional pain, often in personal and direct interactions.

• She hurt her leg while playing soccer.
• It hurts when people don't listen to me.