Harm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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harm
[hɑːm ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| harm |
General term for causing physical or emotional pain or damage. Can be used both for people and broader contexts like the environment.
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| damage |
Often used when talking about physical destruction or impairment to objects, property, or non-human entities.
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| injury |
Specific to physical harm or damage to a person's body, often requiring medical attention.
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| hurt |
More personal and direct, often used for physical pain or emotional distress that someone feels.
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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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| harm |
Use when referring to general negative effects or consequences, can be physical, emotional, or environmental.
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| damage |
Often used when talking about physical injury, deterioration or destruction of objects, property, or infrastructure.
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| injure |
Used in situations involving physical injury, often in accidents or violent incidents. Commonly used in medical contexts.
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| hurt |
Typically used to express physical or emotional pain, often in personal and direct interactions.
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Examples of usage
- The storm harmed the crops in the field.
- Exposure to harmful chemicals can harm your health.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that repeated exposure to harm, even indirectly (like through media), can lead to desensitization.
- Feelings of harm can create lasting emotional scars, affecting relationships and mental health.
- Understanding harm is vital in psychology, especially in contexts like trauma therapy and recovery.
Law
- In legal terms, harm is often a key factor in tort law, where a person can seek compensation for losses.
- The concept of 'harm' in criminal law involves determining the impact of an offense on victims' well-being.
- Proving harm is essential in cases of negligence, where the defendant may be held liable for causing injury.
Pop Culture
- Songs often explore themes of harm, showcasing emotional pain through lyrics (e.g., ballads about heartbreak).
- Movies frequently depict harm as a central conflict, influencing characters to evolve or seek redemption.
- Social media can amplify discussions about harm, particularly related to bullying and mental health awareness.
Philosophy
- Many philosophical discussions revolve around the 'harm principle', advocating that actions are only wrong if they cause harm to others.
- Ethics often entails weighing the potential harm of choices against their benefits, leading to debates on moral responsibility.
- The debate on harm extends into discussions around free speech, where the potential for harm is weighed against the right to express opinions.
Origin of 'harm'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'hearm' meaning 'injury' or 'damage'.
- It shares roots with the German word 'harm' which carries the same meaning, showing a shared history in language.
- In Middle English, 'harm' was often used to describe physical injuries as well as emotional hurt.
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.