help meaning and definition

HELP noun

Definition of help (noun)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: aid, assist, assistance
2. 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"
   • synonyms: assistant, helper, supporter
3. a resource
   • "visual aids in teaching"
   • synonyms: aid, assistance
4. a means of serving
   • "of no avail"; "there's no help for it"
   • synonyms: avail, service

HELP verb

Definition of help (verb)

1. 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"
   • synonyms: aid, assist
2. improve the condition of
   • "These pills will help the patient"
   • synonyms: aid
3. be of use
   • "This will help to prevent accidents"
   • synonyms: facilitate
4. 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"
   • synonyms: help oneself
5. help to some food; help with food or drink
   • "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"
   • synonyms: serve
6. contribute to the furtherance of
   • "This money will help the development of literacy in developing countries"
7. take or use
   • "She helped herself to some of the office supplies"
   • synonyms: avail
8. improve; change for the better
   • "New slipcovers will help the old living room furniture"