help

I. verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English helpan; akin to Old High German helfan to help, and perhaps to Lithuanian šelpti Date: before 12th century transitive verb 1. to give assistance or support to <

help a child with homework

> 2. a. to make more pleasant or bearable ; improve, relieve <

bright curtains will help the room

> <

took an aspirin to help her headache

> b. archaic rescue, save 3. a. to be of use to ; benefit b. to further the advancement of ; promote 4. a. to change for the better b. to refrain from ; avoid <

we couldn't help laughing

> c. to keep from occurring ; prevent <

they couldn't help the accident

> d. to restrain (oneself) from doing something <

knew they shouldn't go but couldn't help themselves

> 5. to serve with food or drink especially at a meal <

told the guests to help themselves

> 6. to appropriate something for (oneself) <

helped himself to the car keys

> intransitive verb 1. give assistance or support — often used with out <

helps out with the housework

> 2. to be of use or benefit Synonyms: see improve II. noun Date: before 12th century 1. aid, assistance 2. a source of aid <

printed helps to the memory — C. S. Braden

> 3. remedy, relief <

there was no help for it

> 4. a. one who serves or assists another (as in housework) ; helper b. employee <

help wanted

> — often used collectively <

the hired help

>