B2verb1K

Heal

UK /["/hiːl/","/hiːlz/","/hiːld/","/ˈhiːlɪŋ/"]/US /["/hiːl/","/hiːlz/","/hiːld/","/ˈhiːlɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to become healthy again; to make something healthy again

In simple words: To make someone or something better after illness or injury.

Examples

  • It took a long time for the wounds to heal.
  • The cut healed up without leaving a scar.
  • This will help to heal your cuts and scratches.
  • It was a chance to **heal the wounds** in the party *(= to repair the damage that had been done)*.
  • the story of Jesus healing ten lepers of their disease
  • I felt healed by his love.
  • She was never able to heal the rift between herself and her father.
  • The breach between them never really healed.

Usage notes

Use 'heal' when talking about recovery from injury or emotional pain. Avoid using it informally or in casual contexts where 'fix' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

heal + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'healer' — someone who makes things better.

Collocations

  • completely
  • fully
  • properly

Synonyms

  • recover
  • mend
  • restore
  • soothe
  • rectify

Antonyms

  • injure
  • harm
  • worsen

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'heal' vs 'heal up' - 'heal up' is more informal.
  • Using 'heal' intransitively without an object when it should be 'heals'.
  • Mixing it up with 'cure'—'cure' is more about diseases.