B2noun 2K

Harm

🇬🇧 UK /["/hɑːm/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/hɑːrm/"]/

Meaning of Harm

damage or injury that is caused by a person or an event

In simple words: To hurt someone or something.

Harm in a sentence

• The use of plastic can cause harm to the environment.
• She felt no harm from the minor injury during the game.
• It's crucial to understand how smoking can lead to serious harm.
• He intended to do no harm when he spoke his mind.
• The harm caused by pollution is becoming more evident every year.
• The child was warned not to approach the harm that could come from the wild animals.
• Emotional harm can be just as damaging as physical harm.
• Some medications can cause harm if taken in excess.

How to use Harm

Use 'harm' in contexts where someone or something is negatively affected. It's suitable for both spoken and written English but avoids overly emotional contexts.

Grammar pattern

harm + object

Memory hint

Think of 'harm' as 'harmful' which starts with 'harm'. Imagine something sharp harming a balloon.

Related words

Collocations with Harm

• considerable
• great
• serious
• cause
• do
• inflict
• come to somebody/​something
• harm from
• harm to
• more harm than good
• out of harm’s way

Synonyms for Harm

• injure
• hurt
• damage
• detriment
• wound

Opposites of Harm

• benefit
• heal
• protect

Common mistakes with Harm

• Confused with 'harm' vs 'damage' — 'harm' often involves living beings.
• Incorrect verb forms — learners might say 'harmes' instead of 'harms'.
• Using it in a non-causal way, like 'He was harmed by falling.' instead of 'He was harmed when he fell.'

Frequently asked questions about Harm

What does Harm mean?

To hurt someone or something.

What is the definition of Harm?

damage or injury that is caused by a person or an event

How do you use Harm in a sentence?

The use of plastic can cause harm to the environment.

Can you give another example of Harm?

She felt no harm from the minor injury during the game.

What are synonyms for Harm?

Common alternatives include injure, hurt, damage, detriment, wound.

What is the opposite of Harm?

Opposite meanings include benefit, heal, protect.

What words go with Harm?

It commonly pairs with considerable, great, serious, cause, do, inflict, come to somebody/​something, harm from, harm to, more harm than good, out of harm’s way.

What are common mistakes when using Harm?

Confused with 'harm' vs 'damage' — 'harm' often involves living beings. Incorrect verb forms — learners might say 'harmes' instead of 'harms'. Using it in a non-causal way, like 'He was harmed by falling.' instead of 'He was harmed when he fell.'

How do you pronounce Harm?

US: /["/hɑːrm/"]/, UK: /["/hɑːm/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Harm?

Use 'harm' in contexts where someone or something is negatively affected. It's suitable for both spoken and written English but avoids overly emotional contexts.

What CEFR level is Harm?

"Harm" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.