Hurt – Meaning, Definition, Synonyms and Antonyms
Hurt is commonly used as a verb in English. It describes causing physical pain or emotional pain to someone (or something), and it can also mean being harmed in a general way.
Meaning:
Hurt means to cause pain, injury, damage, or emotional distress. The effect can be immediate (like pain after a fall) or long-lasting (like ongoing hurt after betrayal or criticism).
Definition:
To hurt means to:
- cause physical pain or injury, as when you hurt your arm, back, or feelings;
- cause emotional pain or upset, such as when words hurt someone or an event hurts their pride;
- lead to negative effects that may not be visible at first (for example, a decision that hurts productivity).
Depending on the context, hurt can sound more personal and direct than some alternatives, because it focuses on the impact on a person’s body or emotions.
Etymology:
The verb hurt comes from Middle English, where it was related to older forms meaning “to harm.” It has been part of English for many centuries, and its modern meaning still centers on causing injury or distress.
Example Sentences:
- She was badly hurt in a car accident, so she couldn’t work for weeks.
- It hurt me to hear that they blamed me, especially when I had tried to help.
- My tooth still hurts when I drink something cold.
- Those careless comments can hurt people’s confidence and damage teamwork.
- If you keep skipping meals, your mood may start to hurt your focus at work.
Hurt Synonyms:
Hurt Antonyms:
- heal
- comfort
- soothe
- help
- protect
- healing
- relieve
- support
- strengthen
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