Meaning & use

harm

noun·Everyday

Physical or other injury or damage caused to a person, animal, or thing.

See it in a sentence

The chemical spill caused serious harm to the fish living in the river.

No harm came to the passengers despite the sudden and violent storm at sea.

A note on using this word

Harm is often used with 'do,' 'cause,' or 'come to,' as in 'do no harm' or 'no harm came to them.'

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To cause injury, damage, or a bad effect to someone or something.

The lawyer promised the new policy would not harm small local businesses.

Make it your own

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