help

/help/
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help

The children help their father wash the car.

Definition
  1. Noun:

    • Assistance or support given to someone: "Help" refers to the act of making it easier for someone to do something by offering one's services or resources.
    • A person or thing that provides assistance: "Help" can also refer to a person who is employed to assist, or a resource that aids in accomplishing a task.
    • A means of remedying or avoiding something: "Help" can denote a solution or recourse in a difficult situation.
  2. Verb:

    • To make it easier for someone to do something by offering one's services or resources: The primary meaning is to assist or aid.
    • To improve a situation or condition: "Help" can mean to contribute to making something better or less severe.
    • To serve or provide someone with something, especially food or drink: This is a specific use related to offering portions.
    • To be unable to stop oneself from doing something: Used in the negative construction "cannot help."
Usage Examples
  • Noun:

    • I need your help with this heavy box.
    • She is a great help in the kitchen.
    • There is no help for it; we must accept the situation.
  • Verb:

    • Can you help me move this table?
    • This medicine will help your headache.
    • "Help yourself to some cake," she said to her guests.
    • I can't help worrying about the exam results.
Advanced Usage
  • "cannot help but": To be compelled or forced to do something.
    • I cannot help but admire her courage.
  • "so help me (God)": A phrase used to emphasize that one is telling the truth or will fulfill a promise.
    • I will tell the truth, so help me God.
  • "help (someone) out": To assist someone, especially in a time of need.
    • My neighbor helped me out when my car broke down.
Variants and Related Words
  • Helper (n): A person who helps someone else.
    • The teacher's helper passed out the papers.
  • Helpful (adj): Giving or ready to give help.
    • She gave me some helpful advice.
  • Helpless (adj): Unable to defend oneself or to act without help.
    • The helpless kitten was stuck in the tree.
Synonyms
  • Assist (v): To give support or aid.
  • Aid (n/v): Help, typically of a practical nature.
  • Support (n/v): To bear all or part of the weight; to give assistance.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Help out: To assist, especially with a specific task or in a difficult situation.
    • Could you help out with the cleaning?
  • Help (someone) to: To serve someone food or drink.
    • May I help you to some more potatoes?
Related Idioms
  • A helping hand: Assistance or aid.
    • Thanks for lending a helping hand with the project.
  • Beyond help: In a situation that is too bad to be improved or saved.
    • The old car is rusted and beyond help.
  • God helps those who help themselves: Success comes to those who make an effort.
    • Don't just wait for opportunity; remember, God helps those who help themselves.
help

The children help their father wash the car.

Noun
  1. a means of serving
    • of no avail
    • there's no help for it
  2. a resource
    • visual aids in teaching
  3. a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
    • my invaluable assistant
    • they hired additional help to finish the work
  4. 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
Verb
  1. improve; change for the better
    • New slipcovers will help the old living room furniture
  2. take or use
    • She helped herself to some of the office supplies
  3. contribute to the furtherance of
    • This money will help the development of literacy in developing countries
  4. help to some food; help with food or drink
    • I served him three times, and after that he helped himself
  5. abstain from doing; always used with a negative
    • I can't help myself--I have to smoke
    • She could not help watching the sad spectacle
  6. be of use
    • This will help to prevent accidents
  7. improve the condition of
    • These pills will help the patient
  8. 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