n.
Pronunciation: ' help; Southern often ' hep also ' he ə p
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English helpan; akin to Old High German helfan to help, and perhaps to Lithuanian š elpti
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 : upon my word : believe it or not