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harm
/hɑːrm/
physical or mental damage
The accident caused no harm to the passengers.
The accident did not injure or hurt the passengers.
general
Physical or mental damage or injury.
Excessive noise can cause harm to your hearing.
Loud sounds may damage your ability to hear.
She didn’t mean to harm anyone with her words.
Her words were not intended to hurt anyone emotionally.
Used for both physical and emotional damage. Often implies unintentional damage unless context specifies otherwise.
general
To cause damage or injury to someone or something.
Pollution harms the environment.
Pollution damages or degrades the natural world.
Common in environmental and health contexts. Can be used metaphorically (e.g., 'This policy harms small businesses').
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 'harm' vs. 'hurt'
'Harm' is more formal and often implies serious or long-term damage, while 'hurt' is more casual and can refer to minor pain or emotional distress. Example: 'The fall hurt her knee' (minor), 'The scandal harmed his reputation' (serious).
Gold Rule
Use 'harm' for serious or irreversible damage
Reserve 'harm' for situations where damage is significant or lasting. Avoid using it for trivial or temporary issues.
Word Origin
Old English 'hearm', of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse 'harmr' and Old High German 'harm'. The verb sense emerged later, influenced by Old French 'harmier'.
Usage Notes
Harm is a general term for damage and is often used in formal contexts (e.g., legal, medical). In everyday speech, 'hurt' is more common for emotional or minor physical damage.
Word Breakdown
harm
damage or injury
rootEnglish Dictionary