help
help · verb
Definitions
verb
- 1.
To make it easier for someone to do something by offering assistance.
- 2.
The action of helping someone; assistance.
- 3.
To improve a situation or make something better.
- 4.
A person or thing that helps.
- 5.
A domestic employee or employees.
- 6.
To serve food or drink to someone.
- 7.
To avoid or refrain from doing something (usually with "cannot").
Phrases & expressions
- •help out — assist with a task or difficulty
- •can't help it — unable to prevent or control something
- •help yourself — invitation to take what one wants
- •so help me (God) — expression of sincerity in an oath
- •beyond help — impossible to help or save
Related words
Etymology
From Old English "helpan" (to help, support, assist), from Proto-Germanic "helpaną," from Proto-Indo-European "kelb-" (to help). Cognate with German "helfen" and Dutch "helpen."