"help" Definition

Definitions for the word "help" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. v. t.
To furnish with strength or means for the successful performance of any action or the attainment of any object; to aid; to assist; as, to help a man in his work; to help one to remember; -- the following infinitive is commonly used without to; as, "Help me scale yon balcony."
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To furnish with the means of deliverance from trouble; as, to help one in distress; to help one out of prison.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To furnish with relief, as in pain or disease; to be of avail against; -- sometimes with of before a word designating the pain or disease, and sometimes having such a word for the direct object.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. t.
To change for the better; to remedy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. t.
To prevent; to hinder; as, the evil approaches, and who can help it?
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To forbear; to avoid.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To wait upon, as the guests at table, by carving and passing food.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To lend aid or assistance; to contribute strength or means; to avail or be of use; to assist.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
Strength or means furnished toward promoting an object, or deliverance from difficulty or distress; aid; ^; also, the person or thing furnishing the aid; as, he gave me a help of fifty dollars.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
Remedy; relief; as, there is no help for it.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
A helper; one hired to help another; also, thew hole force of hired helpers in any business.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
Specifically, a domestic servant, man or woman.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v.
1 provide with the means towards what is needed or sought (helped me with my work; helped me (to) pay my debts; helped him on with his coat). 2 (often absol.) Be of use or service to (does that help?). 3 contribute to alleviating (a pain or difficulty). 4 prevent or remedy (it can''t be helped). 5 (usu. With neg.) A refrain from (can''t help it; could not help laughing). B refl. Refrain from acting (couldn''t help himself). 6 (often foll. By to) serve (a person with food). n. 1 helping or being helped (need your help; came to our help). 2 person or thing that helps. 3 colloq. Domestic assistant or assistance. 4 remedy or escape (there is no help for it). help oneself (often foll. By to) 1 serve oneself (with food etc.). 2 take without permission. Help a person out give a person help, esp. In difficulty. helper n.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
14. v.
1 provide with the means towards what is needed or sought (helped me with my work; helped me (to) pay my debts; helped him on with his coat). 2 (often absol.) Be of use or service to (does that help?). 3 contribute to alleviating (a pain or difficulty). 4 prevent or remedy (it can''t be helped). 5 (usu. With neg.) A refrain from (can''t help it; could not help laughing). B refl. Refrain from acting (couldn''t help himself). 6 (often foll. By to) serve (a person with food). n. 1 helping or being helped (need your help; came to our help). 2 person or thing that helps. 3 colloq. Domestic assistant or assistance. 4 remedy or escape (there is no help for it). help oneself (often foll. By to) 1 serve oneself (with food etc.). 2 take without permission. Help a person out give a person help, esp. In difficulty. helper n. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "help" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "help" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "help") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.

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