Help - Definition

n 1: the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need
or furtherance of an effort or purpose; "he gave me an
assist with the housework"; "could not walk without
assistance"; "rescue party went to their aid"; "offered his
help in unloading" [syn: aid, assist, assistance,
help]
2: a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or
furtherance of an effort or purpose; "my invaluable
assistant"; "they hired additional help to finish the work"
[syn: assistant, helper, help, supporter]
3: a resource; "visual aids in teaching" [syn: aid,
assistance, help]
4: a means of serving; "of no avail"; "there's no help for it"
[syn: avail, help, service]
v 1: give help or assistance; be of service; "Everyone helped
out during the earthquake"; "Can you help me carry this
table?"; "She never helps around the house" [syn: help,
assist, aid]
2: improve the condition of; "These pills will help the patient"
[syn: help, aid]
3: be of use; "This will help to prevent accidents" [syn:
help, facilitate]
4: abstain from doing; always used with a negative; "I can't
help myself--I have to smoke"; "She could not help watching
the sad spectacle" [syn: help oneself, help]
5: help to some food; help with food or drink; "I served him
three times, and after that he helped himself" [syn: serve,
help]
6: contribute to the furtherance of; "This money will help the
development of literacy in developing countries"
7: take or use; "She helped herself to some of the office
supplies" [syn: avail, help]
8: improve; change for the better; "New slipcovers will help the
old living room furniture"