I. ˈhärm, ˈhȧm noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hearm; akin to Old High German harm disgrace, injury, Old Norse harmr grief, Old Slavic sram ŭ shame
1.
a. : physical or mental damage : injury
safety glass protects passengers from harm
where the dune belt and the beach are both wide the sea did little harm — J.A.Steers
b. : mischief , hurt , disservice
his preelection declaration of independence had done him no harm — Virginia Prewett
2. : an act or instance of injury
guess at intents and assume harms — Burges Johnson
specifically : a material and tangible detriment or loss to a person, whether or not the law grants a remedy — distinguished from injury
Synonyms: see injury
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- out of harm's way
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English harmen, from Old English hearmian, from hearm, n.
: to cause hurt or damage to : injure
the national interest … was gravely harmed by this attack — Elmer Davis
Synonyms: see injure
III. adjective
Etymology: harm (I)
South : disrespectful , unkind , harmful
never said a harm word against your daddy — T.H.Phillips