help'd

Verb

help (third-person singular simple present helps, present participle helping, simple past helped or (archaic) holp, past participle helped or (archaic) holp or (archaic) holpen)

1. (transitive) To provide assistance to (someone or something).
   • He helped his grandfather cook breakfast.
2. (transitive) To assist (a person) in getting something, especially food or drink at table; used with to.
   • It is polite to help your guests to food before serving yourself.
3. (transitive) To contribute in some way to.
   • The white paint on the walls helps make the room look brighter.

   Synonyms:

   contribute to

4. (intransitive) To provide assistance.
   • She was struggling with the groceries, so I offered to help.

   Synonyms:

   assist

5. (transitive) To avoid; to prevent; to refrain from; to restrain (oneself). Usually used in nonassertive contexts with can.
   • We couldn’t help noticing that you were late.
6. (Hong-Kong, Singapore) To do something on the behalf of someone.
   • Can you help me buy some groceries?

See all 15 meanings of help