n.
Pronunciation: ' h ə rt
Function: verb
Inflected Form: hurt ; hurt · ing
Etymology: Middle English, probably from Anglo-French hurter to strike, prick, collide with, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old Norse hr ū tr male sheep
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1 a : to inflict with physical pain : WOUND b : to do substantial or material harm to : DAMAGE <the dry summer has hurt the land>
2 a : to cause emotional pain or anguish to : OFFEND b : to be detrimental to : HAMPER <charges of graft hurt my chances of being elected>
intransitive verb
1 a : to suffer pain or grief b : to be in need ― usually used with for < hurt ing for money>
2 : to cause damage or distress <hit where it hurt s >
synonyms see INJURE
– hurt adjective
– hurt · er noun