harm
word
Definition
Physical, emotional, or other damage done to a person, animal, thing, or situation. It can also be used as a verb meaning to hurt or damage someone or something.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both formal and everyday English. Very common patterns are 'do harm', 'cause harm', 'come to no harm', and 'mean no harm'. As a noun, it is often uncountable: 'Smoking causes harm.' As a verb, it is more formal than 'hurt' and is often used in serious, legal, medical, or public-safety contexts.
Example Sentences
Too much sun can harm your skin.
basic
The fire caused a lot of harm to the house.
basic
I would never harm an animal.
basic
He didn't mean any harm — he just chose the wrong words.
natural
Don't worry, the kids came to no harm.
natural
If this plan can harm the environment, we should rethink it.
natural