I. ˈād verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English eyden, from Middle French aider, from Latin adjutare, freq. of adjuvare to help, from ad- + juvare to help
transitive verb
: to give help or support to : further , facilitate , assist
he aided the cause
the … Committee aided veterans in their applications for pensions — Current Biography
: contribute to
finances are aided by rummage sales
intransitive verb
: to give assistance : be of use : help
he aided in the attempt
Synonyms: see help
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English aide, from Middle French, from aider, v.
1. : a subsidy granted to the king by the English parliament until the 18th century for an extraordinary purpose
2. : the act of helping or the help given : assistance , support , relief
aid extended to Confederate privateers — Eleanor M. Sickels
a rescue party sent to their aid
3.
a. : a person who gives assistance : helper
accepted the position of aid in the United States Naval Observatory — W.J.Humphreys
— compare aide
b. : something by which assistance is given (as in achieving an end)
visual aids in teaching
c. : an organization auxiliary to another organization ; especially : a woman's local auxiliary church group (as a ladies' aid society)
4. : a tribute paid by a vassal to his lord for the lord's ransom from captivity, for knighting his eldest son, and for dowry of his eldest daughter
5. English law : assistance in defending an action that the defendant may or should legally claim from another having a joint interest in the defense
6. : directive signals conveyed to a horse (as through the use of the hands, legs, shift of body weight, or voice)