I. ˈhelp; Southern often ˈhep also ˈheəp verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English helpan; akin to Old High German helfan to help, and perhaps to Lithuanian šelpti
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to give assistance or support to
help a child with homework
2.
a. : to make more pleasant or bearable : improve , relieve
bright curtains will help the room
took an aspirin to help her headache
b. archaic : rescue , save
3.
a. : to be of use to : benefit
b. : to further the advancement of : promote
4.
a. : to change for the better
b. : to refrain from : avoid
we couldn't help laughing
c. : to keep from occurring : prevent
they couldn't help the accident
d. : to restrain (oneself) from doing something
knew they shouldn't go but couldn't help themselves
5. : to serve with food or drink especially at a meal
told the guests to help themselves
6. : to appropriate something for (oneself)
help ed himself to the car keys
intransitive verb
1. : give assistance or support — often used with out
help s out with the housework
2. : to be of use or benefit
Synonyms: see improve
•
- so help me
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1. : aid , assistance
2. : a source of aid
printed help s to the memory — C. S. Braden
3. : remedy , relief
there was no help for it
4.
a. : one who serves or assists another (as in housework) : helper
b. : employee
help wanted
— often used collectively
the hired help