Definition of: help

(help) v.t.
1. To give or provide assistance to; aid.
2. To assist in some action, motion, etc.; with on, into, out of, up, down, etc.
3. To rescue, as from death or danger.
4. To give relief to; ease; comfort: to help a cold.
5. To be responsible for: He can't help it if he's lame.
6. To avoid; refrain from: I couldn't help seeing her.
7. To serve; wait on as a waiter, clerk, etc.
—v.i.
8. To give assistance; be of service.
—noun
1. Assistance afforded toward the promotion of an object or the attainment of an end.
2. Remedy or relief.
3. Rescue or succor.
4. One who or that which aids; a helper.
5. U.S. A hired servant; domestic: often used collectively: The help are on strike.
6. Dial. A portion of food. [OE helpan]
—help′er noun Synonyms (verb): abet, aid, assist, befriend, cooperate, encourage, foster, relieve, second, succor, support, sustain, uphold. Help expresses greater dependence and deeper need than aid. In extremity we say “God help me” rather than “God aid me.” In time of danger we cry “Help! Help!” rather than “Aid! Aid!” To aid is to second another's own exertions. We speak of helping the helpless, rather than of aiding them. Help includes aid, but aid may fall short of the meaning of help. In law to aid or abet makes one a principal. (Compare synonyms for ACCESSORY.) To cooperate is to aid as an equal; to assist implies a subordinate and secondary relation. One assists a fallen friend to rise; he cooperates with him in helping others. Encourage, and usually uphold, refer to mental aid; succor and support, oftenest to material assistance. We encourage the timid or despondent, succor the endangered, support the weak, uphold those who else might be shaken or cast down. Compare ABET, AID, PROMOTE, SERVE. Antonyms: see synonyms for HINDER.