Definition of Harm
Quick Meaning of Harm
Injury or damage to a person's body or feelings. Something that hurts or damages.
Detailed Definition of Harm
Physical injury or damage; something that causes pain or suffering.
How to Pronounce Harm
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One syllable. The 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'car'. Not /hæm/ (like 'ham').
Watch out: Often mispronounced with short 'a' /hæm/ as in 'ham'. Correct: /hɑːrm/ with the 'a' from 'father'.
Origin and Etymology of Harm
From Old English hearm, meaning 'injury' or 'insult'; related to Old Norse harmr.
How to Use Harm in a Sentence
Each example shows “harm” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Smoking can cause serious harm to your health.”
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“The accident did not harm anyone, thankfully.”
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“The chemicals in the factory caused environmental harm to the local river.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Harm
Common Synonyms for Harm
Smart Synonyms for Harm — When to Use Each
- injury
- For physical damage to body or specific body
- damage
- When referring to broader harm to property, environment,
Antonyms of Harm
Common Collocations with Harm
These phrases pair with “harm” in everyday English:
- cause harm
- do harm
- no harm done
- harm to
- mean no harm
Common Mistakes When Using Harm
Even fluent speakers slip up with “harm”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The rain caused much harm in the city.
- ✓ Correct: The rain caused much damage in the city.
- Why: Harm typically refers to injury to people. For property, use 'damage' instead.
- ✗ Wrong: He was harming to the team.
- ✓ Correct: He was harmful to the team.
- Why: The adjective form is 'harmful', not 'harming' in this context.
Words Confused With Harm
- Harm vs Harm: Noun 'harm' (the injury itself) vs. verb 'harm' (to cause injury). Same word, different use.
Other Forms of Harm
Frequently Asked Questions About Harm
What is the meaning of "Harm"?
Injury or damage to a person's body or feelings. Something that hurts or damages.
How do you pronounce "Harm"?
The IPA is /hɑːrm/. One syllable. The 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'car'. Not /hæm/ (like 'ham').
What part of speech is "Harm"?
"Harm" is a noun at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Harm"?
Common synonyms include injury, damage, hurt.
How do you use "Harm" in a sentence?
For example: "Smoking can cause serious harm to your health."