help

/hɛlp/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. To make it easier for someone to do something by providing assistance or resources.

    • She offered to help the new intern with the software setup.

  2. To improve an unfavorable situation or alleviate distress.

    • A short walk in the afternoon might help your headache.

  3. To prevent oneself from doing something or feeling an impulse.

    • He could not help smiling when the puppy stumbled over its paws.

How it's used

When this means “assist someone”

  • help the intern
  • help the intern out

“help him.”

Can you help the intern with those files?

When this means “prevent oneself from doing”

  • cannot help laughing

She could not help laughing at the joke.

Collocations

  • help out
  • cannot help but

Synonyms

  • assist
  • aid
  • relieve

Antonyms

Idioms

  • help yourself

    Used to invite someone to take food, drink, or supplies freely.

    There are sandwiches on the counter, so please help yourself.

  • so help me

    Used to emphasize the seriousness of a statement or threat.

    If you touch that computer again, so help me, I will unplug it.