Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense helps, present participle helping, past tense, past participle helped
1. verb
If you help someone, you make it easier for them to do something, for example by doing part of the work for them or by givingthem advice or money.
He has helped to raise a lot of money. [V to-inf/inf]
My mum used to help cook the meals for the children. [V to-inf/inf]
America's priority is to help nations defend themselves. [V n inf/to-inf]
You can of course help by giving them a donation directly. [VERB]
I was only trying to help. [VERB]
If you're not willing to help me, I'll find somebody who will. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: aid, back, support, second More Synonyms of help
Help is also a noun.
Thanks very much for your help.
Always ask the pharmacist for help.
Some of them have qualified for help with monthly payments.
2. verb
If you say that something helps, you mean that it makes something easier to do or get, or that it improves a situation to some extent.
The right style of swimsuit can help to hide, minimise or emphasise what you wantit to. [V to-inf/inf]
By using less energy we are also helping the environment by reducing the threat ofglobal warming. [VERB noun]
Understanding these rare molecules will help chemists to find out what is achievable. [V n to-inf/inf]
I could cook your supper, though, if that would help. [VERB]
3. verb
If you help someone go somewhere or move in some way, you give them support so that they can move more easily.
Martin helped Tanya over the rail. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
I allowed her to help me to my feet. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Come and help me up! [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
She helped her sit up in bed so she could hold her baby. [V n inf/to-inf]
Synonyms: assist, aid, support, give a leg up [informal] More Synonyms of help
4. verb
If you helpyourself, you try to get yourself out of a difficult situation rather than accept it and think you can do nothing to change it.
He firmly believes they should do more to help themselves. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
5. singular noun
If you say that someone or something has been a help or has been some help, you mean that they have helped you to solve a problem.
Thank you. You've been a great help already.
...a quality which will be a help rather than a hindrance to them.
She's been a lot of help.
The books were not much help.
6. uncountable noun
Help is action taken to rescue a person who is in danger. You shout 'help!' when you are in danger in order to attract someone's attention so that they can come and rescue you.
He was screaming for help.
'Help!' I screamed, turning to run.
7. uncountable noun
In computing, help, or the help menu, is a file that gives you information and advice, for example about how to use a particularprogram.
[computing]
If you get stuck, click on Help.
8. verb
If you helpyourselfto something, you serve yourself or you take it for yourself. If someone tells you to helpyourself, they are telling you politely to serve yourself anything you want or to take anything you want.
There's bread on the table. Help yourself. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
Just help yourself to leaflets. [VERB pronoun-reflexive + to]
9. verb
If someone helpsthemselvesto something, they steal it.
[informal]
Has somebody helped himself to some film star's diamonds? [VERB pronoun-reflexive + to]
10. See also helping
11.
See can't help sth
12.
See can't help
13.
See be of help
Phrasal verbs:
See help off with
See help on with
See help out
More Synonyms of help
help in British English
(hɛlp)
verb
1.
to assist or aid (someone to do something), esp by sharing the work, cost, or burden of something
he helped his friend to escape
she helped him climb out of the boat
2.
to alleviate the burden of (someone else) by giving assistance
3. (transitive)
to assist (a person) to go in a specified direction
help the old lady up from the chair
4.
to promote or contribute to
to help the relief operations
5.
to cause improvement in (a situation, person, etc)
crying won't help
6. (tr; preceded by can, could, etc; usually used with a negative)
a.
to avoid or refrain from
we can't help wondering who he is
b. (usually foll by it)
to prevent or be responsible for
I can't help it if it rains
7.
to alleviate (an illness, etc)
8. (transitive)
to serve (a customer)
can I help you, madam?
9. (transitive; foll byto)
a.
to serve (someone with food, etc) (usually in the phrase help oneself)
may I help you to some more vegetables?
help yourself to peas
b.
to provide (oneself with) without permission
he's been helping himself to money out of the petty cash
10. cannot help but
11. help a person off with
12. help a person on with
13. so help me
noun
14.
the act of helping, or being helped, or a person or thing that helps
she's a great help
15.
a helping
16.
a.
a person hired for a job; employee, esp a farm worker or domestic servant
b. (functioning as singular)
several employees collectively
17.
a means of remedy
there's no help for it
exclamation
18.
used to ask for assistance
Derived forms
helpable (ˈhelpable)
adjective
helper (ˈhelper)
noun
Word origin
Old English helpan; related to Old Norse hjalpa, Gothic hilpan, Old High German helfan
help in American English
(hɛlp)
verb transitive
1.
to make things easier or better for (a person); aid; assist
; specif.,
a.
to give (one in need or trouble) something necessary, as relief, succor, money, etc.
to help the poor
b.
to do part of the work of; ease or share the labor of
to help someone lift a load
c.
to aid in getting (up, down, in, etc. or to, into, out of, etc.)
help her into the house
2.
to make it easier for (something) to exist, happen, develop, improve, etc.
; specif.,
a.
to make more effective, larger, more intense, etc.; aid the growth of; promote
a tax to help the schools
b.
to cause improvement in; remedy; alleviate; relieve
a medicine that helps a cold
3.
a.
to keep from; avoid
he can't help coughing
b.
to stop, prevent, change, etc.
a misfortune that can't be helped
4.
to serve or wait on (a customer, client, etc.)
verb intransitive
5.
to give assistance; be cooperative, useful, or beneficial
6.
to act as a waiter, clerk, servant, etc.
noun
7.
the act of helping or a thing that helps; aid; assistance
8.
relief; cure; remedy
9. US
a.
a helper; esp., a hired helper, as a domestic servant, farmhand, etc.
b.
hired helpers; employees
interjection
10.
used to summon assistance, esp. urgently
Idioms:
cannot help but
cannot help oneself
help oneself to
help out
so help me (God)
SYNONYMY NOTE: help is the simplest and strongest of these words meaning to supply another with whateveris necessary to accomplish his or her ends or relieve his or her wants; , aid, assist are somewhat more formal and weaker, , assist esp. implying a subordinate role in the helper and less need for help [she assisted him in his experiments]; succor suggests timely help to one in distress [to succor a besieged city]
OPPOSITE: hinder
Word origin
ME helpen < OE helpan, akin to Ger helfen < IE base *elb-, *elp-, to help > early Lith sělbinos, to aid
Examples of 'help' in a sentence
help
Last season his running into space helped his team immensely.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Artificial intelligence is already helping research into cancer and brain diseases.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We actually really want to help each other.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We must redouble efforts to ensure nobody who needs help is turned away.
The Sun (2016)
Those available help borrowers only to raise a deposit rather than helping them with monthly affordability.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The sector is also helped by broad demographic changes.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
There is so much help available now.
The Sun (2017)
We did a lot to help resolving the situation.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Last season his running into space helped his team immensely.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Who has the time or the money now to help others?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Ninety nine per cent of domestic helps are women.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He was a very kind gentleman who said he wanted to help me for free.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
We need your help to solve this crime.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Watch out for scams that can leave you helping criminals rather than the needy.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The far reaching effects of this report would not have been possible without your help and assistance.
Lashford, Stephanie The Residue Report - an action plan for safer food (1988)
They say it has also helped to quell opposition in the capital.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The organisation is helping her as much as possible.
The Sun (2011)
We then heard medical staff shouting for help and lots of commotion.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
These people are about to get serious help to clear out their clutter.
The Sun (2012)
Your logical mind and attention to detail helps you spot differences in puzzles.
The Sun (2006)
Ask him to help you get over your fears.
The Sun (2009)
Now she is asking for anyone who can help to come forward.
The Sun (2012)
We must seize this moment to help heal the great divides in our country.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Your ability to stay calm and focused will help you shine in a contest.
The Sun (2008)
They felt that our presence helped calm the situation.
Stewart, Bob (Lt-Col) Broken Lives (1993)
Your unusual blend of determination and intuition helps you solve problems and shine at work.
The Sun (2016)
She reckons going running is helping her to deal with the stress of organising her wedding as well.
The Sun (2010)
They are enticing new ingredients for a city that already serves a generous helping of splendid medieval architecture.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love.
Christianity Today (2000)
But people can still help.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Quotations
Often we can help each other most by leaving each other alone; at other times we need the hand-grasp and the word of cheerElbert HubbardThe Note Book
Help yourself, and heaven will help youJean de la FontaineFables
God helps them that help themselves
Many hands make light work
In other languages
help
British English: help /help/ INTERJECTION
You shout `help!' when you are in danger in order to attract someone's attention so that they can come and rescue you.
American English: help!
Arabic: النَّجْدَة
Brazilian Portuguese: socorro!
Chinese: 救命！
Croatian: upomoć!
Czech: pomoc!
Danish: hjælp
Dutch: help!
European Spanish: ¡socorro!
Finnish: apua!
French: à l’aide !
German: Hilfe!
Greek: βοήθεια!
Italian: aiuto!
Japanese: 助けて！
Korean: 도와줘요!
Norwegian: hjelp!
Polish: pomocy!
European Portuguese: socorro!
Romanian: ajutor!
Russian: помогите!
Latin American Spanish: ¡socorro!
Swedish: hjälp!
Thai: ช่วยด้วย
Turkish: imdat!
Ukrainian: рятуйте!
Vietnamese: cứu!
British English: help /hɛlp/ NOUN
Help is the act of helping.
Thanks very much for your help.
American English: help
Arabic: مُسَاعَدَة
Brazilian Portuguese: ajuda
Chinese: 帮助
Croatian: pomoć
Czech: pomoc
Danish: hjælp
Dutch: hulp
European Spanish: ayuda
Finnish: apu
French: aide
German: Hilfe
Greek: βοήθεια
Italian: aiuto
Japanese: 援助
Korean: 도움
Norwegian: hjelp
Polish: pomoc
European Portuguese: ajuda
Romanian: ajutor
Russian: помощь
Latin American Spanish: ayuda
Swedish: hjälp
Thai: ความช่วยเหลือ
Turkish: yardım
Ukrainian: допомога
Vietnamese: sự giúp đỡ
British English: help /hɛlp/ VERB
If you help someone, you make something easier for them to do, for example by doing part of their work or by giving them advice or money.
He has helped to raise a lot of money.
You can help by giving them a donation directly.
American English: help
Arabic: يُساعِدُ
Brazilian Portuguese: ajudar
Chinese: 帮助
Croatian: pomoći
Czech: pomoci
Danish: hjælpe
Dutch: helpen
European Spanish: ayudar
Finnish: auttaa
French: aider
German: helfen
Greek: βοηθώ
Italian: aiutare
Japanese: 助ける
Korean: (남을) 돕다
Norwegian: hjelpe
Polish: pomóc
European Portuguese: ajudar
Romanian: a ajuta
Russian: помогать
Latin American Spanish: ayudar
Swedish: hjälpa
Thai: ช่วย
Turkish: yardım etmek
Ukrainian: допомагати
Vietnamese: giúp đỡ
All related terms of 'help'
God help
You use God help you to warn someone that something unpleasant will happen to them if they do a particular thing.
help desk
A help desk is a special service that you can telephone or e-mail in order to get information about a particular product or subject.
help menu
the place on a computer where you can get help and advice
help out
If you help someone out , you help them by doing some work for them or by lending them some money.
home help
A home help is a person who is employed to visit sick or old people at home and help with their cleaning or cooking .
self-help
Self-help consists of people providing support and help for each other in an informal way, rather than relying on the government , authorities , or other official organizations .
can't help
If you say you can't help thinking something, you are expressing your opinion in an indirect way , often because you think it seems rude .
daily help
of or occurring every day or every weekday
hyphen help
a word processing function that assists the operator to identify automatically those words that can be hyphenated at the end of a line of text
be of help
If someone or something is of help , they make a situation easier or better .
help screens
computer instructions displayed on a visual display unit
mother's help
a woman employed to help look after children and help the mother in other ways
so help me
on my honour
God help us
If you say God help us , you mean that you have negative feelings about the person or situation you are talking about.
help on with
If you help someone on with an item of clothing , you help them put it on.
can't help sth
If you can't help the way you feel or behave , you cannot control it or stop it happening . You can also say that you can't help yourself .
heaven help sb
You say ' Heaven help someone' when you are worried that something bad is going to happen to them, often because you disapprove of what they are doing or the way they are behaving .
help off with
If you help someone off with an item of clothing , you help them take it off.
self-help book
A book is a number of pieces of paper, usually with words printed on them, which are fastened together and fixed inside a cover of stronger paper or cardboard . Books contain information, stories , or poetry , for example .
self-help step
A step is one of a series of actions that you take in order to achieve something.
cannot help but
to be unable to do anything else except
help oneself to
to serve or provide oneself with (food, etc.)
self-help tactics
Tactics are the methods that you choose to use in order to achieve what you want in a particular situation.
so help me (God)
I swear
cannot help oneself
to be the victim of circumstances , a habit , etc.
help a person off with
to assist a person in the removal of ( clothes )
help a person on with
to assist a person in the putting on of ( clothes )
a fat lot of good/use/help
If you say that something is a fat lot of good or a fat lot of help , you are saying rudely that it is no good or no help at all.
help the police with their inquiries
If you say that someone is helping the police with their inquiries , you mean that the police are questioning them about a crime , but have not yet charged them with it.
Chinese translation of 'help'
help
(hɛlp)
n(u)
帮(幫)助 (bāngzhù)
⇒ Thanks for your help.多谢你的帮助。 (Duōxiè nǐ de bāngzhù.)
(when in danger) 救命 (jiùmìng)
⇒ He was screaming for help.他大叫救命。 (Tā dà jiào jiùmìng.)
vt
[person]帮(幫)助 (bāngzhù)
⇒ His car wouldn't start, so I helped him.他的车启动不了，所以我帮助了他。 (Tā de chē qǐdòng bù liǎo, suǒyǐ wǒ bāngzhùle tā.)
(= improve) 改善 (gǎishàn)
⇒ The new law does little to help the environment.新法律在改善环境方面没起什么作用。 (Xīn fǎlǜ zài gǎishàn huánjìng fāngmiàn méi qǐ shénme zuòyòng.)
vi
(= assist) 帮忙 (bāngmáng)
⇒ Can I help?我能帮忙吗？ (Wǒ néng bāngmáng ma?)
(= be useful) 有用 (yǒuyòng)
⇒ The right style of swimsuit can help by hiding bulges.款式适当的游泳衣有助于掩饰肥胖部位。 (Kuǎnshì shìdàng de yóuyǒngyī yǒuzhùyú yǎnshì féipàng bùwèi.)
⇒ Does that help?那有用吗？ (Nà yǒuyòng ma?)
she needs help to get up the stairs她需要帮(幫)助才能上楼(樓)梯 (tā xūyào bāngzhù cái néng shàng lóutī)
the book wasn't much help这(這)本书(書)没(沒)什么(麼)用 (zhè běn shū méi shénme yòng)
thanks, you've been a great help谢(謝)谢(謝)，你帮(幫)了很大忙 (xièxie, nǐ bāngle hěn dà máng)
with the help of sb/sth在某人/某物的帮(幫)助下 (zài mǒurén/mǒuwù de bāngzhù xià)
to be of help (to sb)(对(對)某人)有所帮(幫)助 ((duì mǒurén) yǒu suǒ bāngzhù)
I helped him (to) fix his car我帮(幫)助他修了他的车(車) (wǒ bāngzhù tā xiūle tā de chē)
I helped her to her feet我帮(幫)她站起来(來) (wǒ bāng tā zhàn qǐlái)
help!救命！ (jiùmìng!)
can I help you? (in shop) 我能为(為)您效劳(勞)吗(嗎)？ (wǒ néng wèi nín xiàoláo ma?)
people who can help themselves (= be independent) 能自立的人 (néng zìlì de rén)
to help o.s. to sth (= serve oneself) 随(隨)意用某物 (suíyì yòng mǒuwù) (inf, = steal) 顺(順)手牵(牽)羊拿某物 (shùn shǒu qiān yáng ná mǒuwù)
he can't help it他毫无(無)办(辦)法 (tā háo wú bànfǎ)
I can't help feeling sorry for him我情不自禁地同情他 (wǒ qíng bù zì jīn de tóngqíng tā)
it can't be helped没(沒)办(辦)法 (méi bànfǎ)
help!
救命！ (jiùmìng!)
See help (sense 6)
All related terms of 'help'
help!
救命！ jiùmìng!
help out
帮(幫)忙 bāngmáng
a cry for help
呼救声(聲) hūjiù shēng
a plea for help
请(請)求帮(幫)助 qǐngqiú bāngzhù
can I help you?
( in shop ) 您要买(買)点(點)儿(兒)什么(麼)？ nín yào mǎi diǎnr shénme?
can you help me?
你可以帮(幫)我一下吗(嗎)？ nǐ kěyǐ bāng wǒ yīxià ma?
he can't help it
他毫无(無)办(辦)法 tā háo wú bànfǎ
to cry for help
呼救 hūjiù
without any help
没(沒)有任何帮(幫)助 méiyǒu rènhé bāngzhù
let me explain/help
让(讓)我来(來)解释(釋)/帮忙 ràng wǒ lái jiěshì/bāngmáng
she wouldn't help me
她不愿(願)意帮(幫)助我 tā bù yuànyì bāngzhù wǒ
will you help me?
你帮(幫)帮(幫)我好吗(嗎)？ nǐ bāngbāng wǒ hǎo ma?
I'm here to help you
我是来(來)帮(幫)你的 wǒ shì lái bāng nǐ de
to help o.s. to sth
( serve oneself ) 随(隨)意用某物 suíyì yòng mǒuwù
to help out with sth
帮忙做某事 bāngmáng zuò mǒushì ⇒ I help out with the secretarial work. → 我帮忙做秘书工作。 Wǒ bāngmáng zuò mìshū gōngzuò.
If you're not willing to help me, I'll find somebody who will.
Synonyms
aid
back
He is backed by the civic movement.
support
second
He seconded the motion against fox hunting.
encourage
Their task is to encourage private investment in Russia.
promote
His country will do everything possible to promote peace.
assist
relieve
a programme to relieve poor countries
stand by
befriend
It's about an elderly woman and a young nurse who befriends her.
cooperate with
abet
We shall strike hard at terrorists and those who abet them.
lend a hand
I'd be glad to lend a hand.
succour
The money would be used to succour evicted families.
lend a helping hand
give someone a leg up (informal)
Opposites
fight
,
bar
,
block
,
oppose
,
frustrate
,
discourage
,
foil
,
hinder
,
obstruct
,
impede
,
hobble
2 (verb)
Definition
to improve a situation
The surgery has really helped her back pain.
Synonyms
improve
He improved their house.
ease
I made her a hot water bottle to ease the pain.
heal
No doctor has ever healed a broken bone. They just set them.
cure
An operation finally cured his shin injury.
relieve
Drugs can relieve much of the pain.
remedy
He's been remedying a hamstring injury.
facilitate
The new airport will facilitate the development of tourism.
alleviate
A great deal can be done to alleviate back pain.
mitigate
ways of mitigating the effects of an explosion
ameliorate
Nothing can be done to ameliorate the situation.
Opposites
aggravate
,
make worse
,
hurt
,
injure
,
harm
,
irritate
3 (verb)
Martin helped Tanya over the rail.
Synonyms
assist
They decided to assist me with my chores.
aid
a software system to aid managers in decision-making
support
He supported the hardworking people.
give a leg up (informal)
4 (verb)
Definition
to refrain from
I can't help feeling sorry for the poor man.
Synonyms
resist
Try to resist giving him advice.
refrain from
avoid
He managed to avoid giving them an idea of what he was up to.
control
prevent
We took steps to prevent it happening.
These methods prevent pregnancy.
withstand
A politician has to be able to withstand criticism from the Press.
eschew
He eschewed publicity and avoided nightclubs.
keep from
abstain from
You would be well advised to abstain from coffee and tea.
forbear
I forbore to comment on this.
1 (noun)
Definition
the act of helping
Thanks very much for your help.
Synonyms
assistance
He's been operating the shop with the assistance of volunteers.
aid
He was forced to turn to his former enemy for aid.
support
a proposal to cut agricultural support
service
advice
Don't be afraid to ask for advice when ordering a meal.
promotion
guidance
They improve their performance under the guidance of professional coaches.
cooperation
The police asked for the public's cooperation.
helping hand
Opposites
opposition
,
obstruction
,
hindrance
,
block
,
discouragement
2 (noun)
Definition
a remedy
There is no help for him and no doctor on this earth could save him.
Synonyms
remedy
natural remedies to overcome winter infections
cure
There is still no cure for the common cold.
relief
The news will come as a great relief.
corrective
balm
This place is a balm to the soul.
salve
a soothing salve for sore, dry lips
succour
Have you offered comfort and succour to your friend?
restorative
3 (noun)
Definition
a person or thing that helps, esp. a farm worker or domestic servant
a hired help
Synonyms
assistant
He had been accompanied to the meeting by an assistant.
hand
He now works as a farm hand.
worker
Wages have been frozen and workers laid off.
employee
Many of the company's employees are women.
helper
Younger children may need a helper.
phrasal verb
See help yourself to something
Quotations
Often we can help each other most by leaving each other alone; at other times we need the hand-grasp and the word of cheer [Elbert Hubbard – The Note Book]Help yourself, and heaven will help you [Jean de la Fontaine – Fables]
proverbs
God helps them that help themselvesMany hands make light work
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abet
Definition
to help or encourage in wrongdoing
We shall strike hard at terrorists and those who abet them.
Synonyms
help,
aid,
encourage,
sanction,
sustain,
assist,
uphold,
back,
condone,
second,
incite,
egg on,
succour
in the sense of abstain from
You would be well advised to abstain from coffee and tea.
Synonyms
refrain from,
avoid,
decline,
give up,
stop,
refuse,
cease,
do without,
shun,
renounce,
eschew,
leave off,
keep from,
forgo,
withhold from,
forbear,
desist from,
deny yourself,
kick (informal)
in the sense of advice
Definition
recommendation as to an appropriate choice of action
Don't be afraid to ask for advice when ordering a meal.