Injuries: meaning, definitions and examples

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injuries

 

[ ˈΙͺnΚ€Ι™riz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physical harm

Injuries refer to physical damage to the body caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, or other factors. This term can encompass a wide range of conditions from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma and fractures.

Synonyms

damage, hurt, trauma, wounds.

Examples of usage

  • She sustained multiple injuries in the car accident.
  • Sports injuries are common among athletes.
  • Proper warm-up can help prevent injuries during exercise.
Context #2 | Noun

legal context

Injuries can also refer to civil wrongs that result in harm to an individual, leading to legal claims for compensation. These injuries may arise from negligence, wrongful acts, or strict liability.

Synonyms

claims, damages, hurt.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer filed a lawsuit for injuries sustained during the incident.
  • He received compensation for injuries resulting from medical negligence.
  • Injuries caused by defective products can lead to legal action.

Etymology

The word 'injury' derives from the Latin 'injuria', which means 'an injustice, wrong, or damage'. This term itself is composed of 'in-' (not) and 'juris' (of law), indicating something contrary to justice. Over time, it transitioned into Middle English as 'injurie' before becoming 'injury' by the late 14th century. Historically, the meaning associated with 'injury' expanded from legal contexts surrounding civil wrongs to encompass the broader spectrum of physical harm. The evolution of the term reflects societal changes in understanding health, safety, and legal rights, particularly in the context of accidents and personal harm. Today, 'injury' encompasses a diverse range of meanings across different fields, including medicine, law, and sports, and highlights the importance of both physical health and legal accountability.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,140, 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.