I. noun
1.
an act or instance of giving what will benefit or assist
the stranded travelers received help from passersby
Synonyms: aid, assist, assistance, comfort, hand, lift, relief, secours, succor, support
Related Word: benefit, cooperation, service
Antonyms: hindrance
2.
something that is beneficial
the rain was a real help to late crops
Synonyms: aid, support
Related Word: benefit, use
3.
Synonyms: helper , aid, ancilla, assistant, attendant, striker
II. verb
1.
to give assistance or support
help the children with their lessons
Synonyms: abet, aid, assist, benefact, do for, help out, stead
Related Word: back, bolster, boost, champion, second, support, uphold; avail, benefit, profit; advance, facilitate, forward, further, promote, serve; befriend, succor
Idioms: give a lift, lend a hand ( or a helping hand), stand back of ( or behind)
Contrasted words: bar, block, impede, obstruct, oppose; baffle, balk, foil, frustrate, thwart; discomfit, embarrass; damage, harm, hurt, injure
Antonyms: hinder
2.
Synonyms: improve 1, ameliorate, amend, better, meliorate
Related Word: alleviate, mitigate, palliate, relieve
Contrasted words: harm, impair, worsen