help

1. 1

   Action given to provide assistance; aid.uncountableusually

   • I need some help with my homework.
2. 2

   Something or someone which provides assistance with a task.uncountableusually

   • He was a great help to me when I was moving house.
3. 3

   Documentation provided with computer software that could be accessed using the computer.uncountableusually

   • I can't find anything in the help about rotating an image.
4. 4

   A study aid.countableusually

   • I've printed out a list of math helps.
5. 5

   One or more people employed to help in the maintenance of a house or the operation of a farm or enterprise.uncountableusually

   • The help is coming round this morning to clean.
   • Most of the hired help is seasonal, for the harvest.
6. 6

   Correction of deficits, as by psychological counseling or medication or social support or remedial training.uncountableusually

   • His suicide attempts were a cry for help.
   • He really needs help in handling customer complaints.

1. 1

   To provide assistance to (someone or something).transitive

   • He helped his grandfather cook breakfast.
2. 2

   To assist (a person) in getting something, especially food or drink at table; used with to.transitive

   • It is polite to help your guests to food before serving yourself.
   • Help yourself to whatever's in the fridge.
3. 3

   To contribute in some way to.transitive

   • The white paint on the walls helps make the room look brighter.
   • If you want to get a job, it helps to have some prior experience.
4. 4

   To provide assistance.intransitive

   • She was struggling with the groceries, so I offered to help.
   • Please, help!
5. 5

   To avoid; to prevent; to refrain from; to restrain (oneself). Usually used in nonassertive contexts with can.transitive

   • We couldn’t help noticing that you were late.
   • We couldn’t help but notice that you were late.
6. 6

   To do something on the behalf of someone.Hong-KongSingapore

   • Can you help me buy some groceries?
7. 7

   To assist or sympathize with (the speaker); used to express displeasure, disappointment or exasperation.SingaporeSinglishimperative

   • Compare Malay tolong (“help; please”) and Hokkien 導郎 /导郎 (tō͘-lông, “help; please”)
   • Help lah.

syn. aid · assist · come to the aid of · help out · abet · befriend · bestead · minister · come to someone's aid · give someone a hand · grip · help

ant. hinder · hurt

1. 1

   A cry of distress or an urgent request for assistance.

   • — Take that, you scoundrel. — Help! Robin, help!
2. 2

   A way to signal uncontrollable laughter; implying the risk of dying of laughter and needing assistance.Internet

   • helpppp that's too funny, did she rlly say that?