Hurt vs. Harm

These verbs are closely related in meaning but they differ in their level or seriousness. Follow the lesson to find out more.

What is the difference between 'hurt' and 'harm'?

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 hurt the position of the company in the market.

I hurt my sister's feelings with my insensitive comment.

Excessive exposure to the sun can harm your skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

'Harm' refers to more serious and long-lasting damage that results from the impact of an action or state.

The pollution from the factory harms the environment and endangers wildlife.

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 hurt her ankle during the soccer match.

You cannot say 'harmed her ankle'.

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