B1verb2K

Injure

UK /["/ˈɪndʒə(r)/","/ˈɪndʒəz/","/ˈɪndʒəd/","/ˈɪndʒərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈɪndʒər/","/ˈɪndʒərz/","/ˈɪndʒərd/","/ˈɪndʒərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to harm yourself or somebody else physically, especially in an accident

In simple words: to hurt someone or something

Examples

  • He didn't mean to injure his friend during the game.
  • The fall could potentially injure anyone who is not careful.
  • You must be careful not to injure yourself while lifting heavy objects.
  • The athlete was injured in the final match and had to be replaced.
  • The doctor explained how to treat a sprain without injuring the area further.

Usage notes

Use in contexts related to physical harm. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing sports or accidents.

Grammar pattern

injure + object

Memory hint

Think of 'in' + 'jure' as in 'to score a goal while injured.'

Collocations

  • badly
  • seriously
  • severely
  • seriously
  • severely
  • be likely to

Synonyms

  • hurt
  • wound
  • damage
  • impair
  • disable

Antonyms

  • heal
  • protect
  • repair

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'harm' — 'injure' specifically refers to physical damage.
  • Using 'injure' with non-physical subjects (e.g., 'injure feelings').
  • Mixing up 'injure' with 'injury' — one is a verb and the other is a noun.