help

 
Pronunciation: /hɛlp/

verb

[with object]
  • 1make it easier or possible for (someone) to do something by offering them one’s services or resources: they helped her with domestic chores [with object and infinitive]: she helped him find a buyer [no object]: the teenager helped out in the corner shop
  • improve (a situation or problem); be of benefit to: upbeat comments about prospects helped confidence [no object]: legislation to fit all new cars with catalytic converters will help
  • [with object and adverbial of direction] assist (someone) to move: I helped her up
  • (help someone on/off with) assist someone to put on or take off (a garment): she would help him off with his coat
  • 2 (help someone to) serve someone with (food or drink): may I help you to some more meat? she helped herself to a biscuit
  • (help oneself) take something without permission: he helped himself to the wages she had brought home
  • 3 (can/could not help) cannot or could not avoid: he couldn’t help laughing I’m sorry to put you to any inconvenience, but it can’t be helped
  • (can/could not help oneself) cannot or could not stop oneself from doing something: she couldn’t help herself; she burst into tears

noun

[mass noun]
  • the action of helping someone to do something: I asked for help from my neighbours
  • the fact of being useful: the skimpy manual isn’t much help for beginners
  • a person or thing that helps: she’s been given financial help with travel [in singular]: he was a great help
  • [count noun] a domestic employee: she has taught herself to cook since the defection of the last of the village helps
  • [as modifier] giving assistance to a computer user in the form of displayed instructions: a help menu

exclamation

  • used as an appeal for urgent assistance: Help! I’m drowning!

Phrases

a helping hand

assistance: she was always ready to lend a helping hand

so help me (God)

used to emphasize that one means what one is saying: if you don’t get out, so help me I’ll let you have it

there is no help for it

there is no way of avoiding or remedying a situation: we’ll be up all night but there’s no help for it

Origin:

Old English helpan (verb), help (noun), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch helpen and German helfen