noun
-
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose (syn: aid, assist, assistance)offered his help in unloading
-
a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose (syn: assistant, helper, supporter)they hired additional help to finish the work
-
a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do (syn: aid, assistance)-
a means of serving (syn: avail, service)there's no help for it
verb
-
give help or assistance; be of service (syn: aid, assist)Everyone helped out during the earthquake
Can you help me carry this table?
She never helps around the house
-
improve the condition of (syn: aid)These pills will help the patient
-
be of use (syn: facilitate)This will help to prevent accidents
-
abstain from doing; always used with a negativeI can't help myself--I have to smoke
She could not help watching the sad spectacle
-
help to some food; help with food or drink (syn: serve)I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
-
contribute to the furtherance ofThis money will help the development of literacy in developing countries
-
take or use (syn: avail)She helped herself to some of the office supplies
-
improve; change for the betterNew slipcovers will help the old living room furniture
Extra examples
Don't blame me: I was only trying to help!
Help! Somebody call the police!
She took an aspirin to help her headache.
Humor often helps a tense situation.
It's not much money, but every little bit helps.
He thanked us for our help.
I could use some help with the dishes.
We could hear shouts for help coming from the house.
He's been more of a hindrance than a help.
We helped them in / with their work.
Help them into the house.
Help her off the train.
Help him out of the car.
They helped to cook the meal.
She helped to move the furniture.
Phrasal verbs
help out
— be of help, as in a particular situation of need
Word forms
verb
I/you/we/they: help
he/she/it: helps
present participle: helping
past tense: helped
past participle: helped