harm
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for harm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Physical injury or damage.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use harm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English hearm, meaning harm, shame, or pain, tracing back to a shared Germanic root.
Full origin of harm →Frequently asked questions
What does “harm” mean?
The word “harm” means physical injury or damage. In plain terms, damage or injury, whether physical, emotional, or to something abstract like a reputation.
How do you pronounce “harm”?
“Harm” is pronounced hahm (/hɑɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “harm” in a sentence?
Here is “harm” used in a sentence: “The accident left him with no lasting harm.”
What is the opposite of “harm”?
The opposite of “harm” — its antonyms — are heal and repair.
What part of speech is “harm”?
Depending on how it is used, “harm” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “harm” come from?
The word “harm” comes from Old English. From Old English hearm, meaning harm, shame, or pain, tracing back to a shared Germanic root.
Is “harm” a common word?
“Harm” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “harm” have?
“Harm” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: physical injury or damage.
What is the difference between harm and damage?
Harm and damage overlap, but harm is most often used for injury to living things, including physical hurt and, more broadly, emotional or moral injury. Damage usually applies to objects, property, or systems, as in 'storm damage.' You harm a person; you damage a car.
What is an example of harm?
Harm means injury or damage, usually to a person or living thing. Examples include 'the fall caused no lasting harm,' 'these chemicals can harm your skin,' or a label warning that a product may 'cause harm if swallowed.' It covers physical hurt and, more widely, any serious ill effect.
What is the opposite of harm?
The opposite of harm is benefit, help, or good. Where harm causes injury or damage, its opposites improve or protect. The familiar phrase 'do no harm' captures the contrast, expressing a duty to help, or at least to avoid injury, rather than making a situation worse.