help

help · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To make it easier for someone to do something by offering assistance.

  2. 2.

    The action of helping someone; assistance.

  3. 3.

    To improve a situation or make something better.

  4. 4.

    A person or thing that helps.

  5. 5.

    A domestic employee or employees.

  6. 6.

    To serve food or drink to someone.

  7. 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

Antonyms: hinder, impede, obstruct
See also: aid, assist, serve, support

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."