Injure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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injure

[หˆษชn.dส’ษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

medical

Cause physical harm or damage to someone's body.

Synonyms

damage, harm, hurt, wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
injure

Use when referring to harm done to living beings, typically in accidents or physical altercations.

  • She injured her ankle while playing soccer
  • The car accident injured several people
hurt

Commonly used in everyday language when referring to physical or emotional pain in living beings.

  • My head hurts after the long day
  • Her feelings were hurt by the rude comment
harm

A general term for causing physical or emotional injury. Often used in broader contexts including both living beings and objects.

  • Smoking can harm your lungs
  • Spreading rumors can harm someone's reputation
wound

Specifically used to describe damage to living tissue, often from a weapon or severe accident. Has a more serious connotation than 'hurt'.

  • The soldier was wounded in combat
  • He wound his hand on the broken glass
damage

Use when referring to harm done to objects, structures, or other non-living things.

  • The storm damaged the roof of the house
  • The package was damaged during shipping

Examples of usage

  • He was badly injured in a car accident.
  • The explosion injured several people.
  • She injured her ankle while hiking.
  • The athlete was injured during the game.
  • The knife could easily injure someone.
  • The broken glass could injure a child playing nearby.
Context #2 | Verb

legal

Commit a crime or offense against (a person or a law).

Synonyms

breach, transgress, violate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
injure

Used when someone or something is physically harmed. It applies to situations where thereโ€™s physical damage or pain to a person, animal, or object.

  • She injured her ankle while playing soccer.
  • The car accident injured three passengers.
violate

Applies to situations where rules, laws, or personal rights are broken or disregarded. It often has a strong negative connotation.

  • The new law seeks to protect citizens from having their privacy violated.
  • By entering the restricted area, he knowingly violated the regulations.
transgress

Typically used in a formal or religious context when someone violates a moral, ethical, or legal boundary. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • He deeply regretted transgressing the community guidelines.
  • According to the ancient texts, to transgress is to sin.
breach

Appropriate in legal, security, or contractual contexts to refer to breaking an agreement, trust, or security system.

  • The company fired him for breaching the confidentiality agreement.
  • There was a security breach at the airport last night.

Examples of usage

  • He was charged with injuring a police officer.
  • The suspect is accused of injuring property.
Context #3 | Noun

medical

An act that causes someone to be hurt, damaged, or killed.

Synonyms

damage, harm, trauma, wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
injure

Used when referring to a person or an animal who has been hurt physically. Often used in the context of accidents or violence.

  • She injured her leg while playing soccer.
  • The athlete was injured in a car accident.
harm

Can refer to physical injury but also includes emotional, moral, or psychological damage. Can be used for people, animals, and sometimes broader contexts like environmental harm.

  • Exposing children to violent images can harm their development.
  • Smoking can harm your health.
wound

Refers to a specific physical injury where the skin is cut or broken. Often used in the context of violence or accidents.

  • He has a deep wound on his arm.
  • The soldier's wounds were treated immediately.
damage

Mostly used when referring to things or objects that have been broken, destroyed, or negatively affected. Not typically used for people or animals.

  • The storm caused a lot of damage to the roof.
  • The computer was damaged beyond repair.
trauma

Used to describe severe injury to the body or a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Often used in medical or psychological contexts.

  • The patient suffered trauma to the head during the accident.
  • She needed therapy to deal with the emotional trauma.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor treated the man's injuries.
  • The team suffered several injuries during the match.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health and Medicine

  • Injuries can be classified as acute (sudden) or chronic (long-lasting), with different treatments for each type.
  • Common forms of injury include sprains, fractures, and cuts, each requiring specific care.
  • Rehabilitation is a crucial part of healing from injuries, often including physical therapy.

Psychology

  • Emotional injuries, like mental trauma from accidents or bullying, can impact well-being just as physical injuries do.
  • Coping mechanisms, such as therapy or support groups, help individuals recover from emotional injuries.

Sports

  • Athletes face a high risk of injury, making injury prevention strategies essential for performance.
  • Common sports injuries include concussions in contact sports and tears in ligaments during high-intensity activities.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, there is a belief in the spiritual aspect of injury, relating physical harm to emotional or spiritual neglect.
  • Cultural attitudes towards injury can affect how individuals seek help, with some cultures prioritizing home remedies over medical attention.

Origin of 'injure'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'injuriare', which means to harm or wrong someone.
  • It shifted into English in the late 14th century, evolving in meaning to cover both physical and emotional harm.

The word 'injure' comes from the Latin word 'injurare', which means 'to wrong or injure'. The concept of injury has been present throughout human history, as physical harm or damage has always been a part of life. Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma. The legal aspect of injuring someone has also been a significant part of society, with laws and consequences established to protect individuals from harm. Overall, the word 'injure' reflects the complex relationship between physical harm, legal responsibility, and human interactions.


See also: injured, injurer, injuring, injury.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,051 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.