harm

The word "harm" means to cause injury or hurt someone or something.

You can use it as a verb:

• If anyone tries to harm you, call the police.
• You’ll harm yourself if you get too close to the fire.
• Too much television harms the minds of young children.
• Ahmed harmed his chances of getting into a good college because of his poor grades in high school.
• Ashley harmed her back when she tried to pick up some heavy furniture.

The word "harm" is often used as a noun:

• Cigarette smoking causes a tremendous amount of harm to your body.
• The harm that was done to the boy’s spinal cord was permanent, and he remained paralyzed.
• No harm was done to any of the hostages held by the militants. They were unharmed. (The word "unharmed" is an adjective in this sentence.)
• There’s no harm in trying to do something new, even if you aren’t successful.

An adjective can be made by adding "ful" or "less" to "harm."

• That snake is harmless. It doesn’t have any fangs or poison. (harmless = not dangerous)
• Kevin thought the joke he played on his friends was harmless, but they were really upset with him.
• Drinking too much soda pop is harmful to your teeth and your body. (harmful = dangerous)
• Exposure to a lot of radiation can be harmful.

He harmed himself while riding a skateboard.

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