help
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},
{helping}]
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}, {supporter}]
3: a resource: "visual aids in teaching"; "economic assistance
to depressed areas" [syn: {aid}, {assistance}]
4: a means of serving; "of no avail"; "there's no help for it"
[syn: {avail}, {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: {assist},
{aid}]
2: be of use; "This will help to prevent accidents" [syn: {facilitate}]
3: improve the condition of; "These pills will help the
patient" [syn: {aid}]
4: 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}]
5: contribute to the furtherance of; "This money will help the
development of literacy in developing countries"
6: help to some food; help with food or drink; "I served him
three times, and after that he helped himself" [syn: {serve}]
7: improve; change for the better; "New slipcovers will help
the old living room furniture"
8: take or use; "She helped herself to some of the office
supplies" [syn: {avail}]