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.

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