help v. & n. --v.tr. 1
provide (a
person etc.)
with the means towards what is needed or
sought (helped me with my
work; helped me (to) pay my debts). 2 (foll. by
up, down, etc.)
assist or
give support to (a person) in
moving etc. as specified (helped
her into the
chair; helped
him on with
his coat). 3 (often absol.) be of
use or service to (a person) (does
that help?). 4
contribute to alleviating (a
pain or difficulty). 5
prevent or
remedy (it can't be helped). 6 (usu. with neg.) a tr. refrain
from (can't help
it;
could not help laughing). b refl. refrain from
acting (couldn't help himself). 7 tr. (often foll. by to)
serve (a person with food) (shall I help
you to greens?). --n. 1 the
act of
helping or
being helped (we
need your help;
came to
our help). 2 a person or
thing that helps. 3 a
domestic servant or
employee, or
several collectively. 4 a remedy or
escape (there is no help
for it). øhelping
hand assistance. help
oneself (often foll. by to) 1 serve oneself (with food). 2
take without seeking help or
permission. help a person
out give a person help,
esp. in
difficulty. so help me (or help me God) (as an
invocation or oath) I am
speaking the
truth. øøhelper n. [OE helpan f. Gmc]
