LoginHurt vs. Harm
These verbs are closely related in meaning but they differ in their level or seriousness. Follow the lesson to find out more.
Both 'hurt' and 'harm' can mean to cause physical injury or damage as well as to have a bad effect on or be detrimental to someone or something. However, in both cases 'harm' is more serious and has a longer impact. This lesson will further discuss this difference.
Level of Seriousness
'Hurt' refers to causing physical or emotional pain, injury, or distress to someone or something. It can also be used to describe the act of damaging or impairing someone's feelings, reputation, or relationships or making them less powerful or successful. 'Harm' shares both meanings with 'hurt', but it often implies a more serious or long-lasting damage, potentially affecting the well-being, functioning, or overall condition of the individual or entity. It is commonly used in the context of discussing damages that result from the impact or consequences of an action or state rather than the result of a direct and intentional act of inflicting damage. Here are some examples:
His thoughtless decisions
I
Excessive exposure to the sun can
'Harm' refers to more serious and long-lasting damage that results from the impact of an action or state.
The pollution from the factory
Tip!
Unlike 'hurt', 'harm' cannot be used as a reflexive verb to refer to damages cause to one by oneself. Take a look at the example below:
The athlete
You cannot say 'harmed her ankle'.
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