help

Word Origin & History

Old English helpan (class III strong verb; past tense healp, past participle holpen) "help, support, succor; benefit, do good to; cure, amend," from Proto-Germanic *helpan (cf. Old Norse hjalpa, Old Frisian helpa, Middle Dutch and Dutch helpen, Old High German helfan, German helfen), from PIE root *kelb- "to help" (cf. Lithuanian selpiu "to support, help").

Recorded as a cry of distress from late 14c. Sense of "serve someone with food at table" (1680s) is translated from French servir "to help, stead, avail," and led to helping "portion of food." Related: Helped (c.1300). The Middle English past participle holpen survives in biblical and U.S. dialectal use.

Example Sentences forhelp

That you will take tea with us to-morrow evening, and help us do justice to them.

"I hear they do have dreadful times with help in New York," said Mrs. Bines.

I had a warm regard for your father, and shall be glad to help your mother if there is any occasion.

What was quite as important, he seemed disposed to help him.

I have been thinking about that day, wondering what I could do to help you.

But he could not help looking back to wonder at the surprising likeness.

But you shall see how I'll help you with your work; I was capable of it all the time.

I shall marry you, if you think I'm the woman to help you in that big, new life of yours.

Joe saw that there was no help for him, and that for the time he must submit.

Their suffering was great but they never lost courage and help was near.

help

cheer

cheered

cheers

comfort

comforted

comforts

conduce

consolation

help

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