Definition

1. Noun:

   • Assistance or support given to someone or something: "Aid" refers to the act of helping or the resources provided to make a task easier or to relieve a difficult situation.
   • A person or thing that provides help: "Aid" can also refer to a helper, an assistant, or a device that assists in a particular function.

2. Verb:

   • To provide support, help, or relief: The verb "aid" means to give assistance or to make it easier for someone to do something or for something to happen.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The country received international aid after the earthquake. (Assistance in the form of resources was provided.)
  • A hearing aid is a device that helps people hear better. (A device that provides assistance.)
  • She was a great aid to the team during the project. (A helpful person.)

• Verb:

  • The new software will aid in data analysis. (It will make the process easier.)
  • Can you aid me with these heavy boxes? (Can you help me?)
  • The medicine aided his recovery. (It helped improve his condition.)

Advanced Usage

• "In aid of": for the purpose of supporting or helping a cause.
  • The concert was held in aid of the local hospital.
• "To come/go to someone's aid": to help someone who is in difficulty.
  • Several passersby went to the aid of the injured cyclist.

Variants and Related Words

• Aide (noun): An assistant or helper, often to an important person.
  • The general's aide delivered the message.
• First aid (noun): Emergency medical help given to an injured person before full medical treatment is available.
  • Everyone should know basic first aid.

Synonyms

• Assistance (noun): The action of helping someone.
• Help (noun/verb): To make it easier for someone to do something.
• Support (noun/verb): To give assistance or encouragement.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Aid and abet (verb phrase): To help and encourage someone to do something wrong, especially a crime.
  • He was charged with aiding and abetting the thief.

Related Idioms

• What's this in aid of?: Used to ask about the purpose of something.
  • You're carrying a ladder. What's this in aid of?

Noun

1. the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
   • no medical care was required
   • the old car needs constant attention
2. money to support a worthy person or cause
3. the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
   • he gave me an assist with the housework
   • could not walk without assistance
   • rescue party went to their aid
   • offered his help in unloading
4. a resource
   • visual aids in teaching

Verb

1. improve the condition of
   • These pills will help the patient
2. give help or assistance; be of service
   • Everyone helped out during the earthquake
   • Can you help me carry this table?
   • She never helps around the house