verb

injure

To cause physical harm or other damage.

Falls on icy sidewalks can injure pedestrians and cyclists.

Etymology

Latin iniuria meant wrong or injustice. The English verb developed from doing someone a wrong to causing actual harm, particularly physical damage.

More examples

  • She injured her shoulder while lifting a heavy box.
  • Harsh chemicals can injure the skin.
  • False accusations can injure a person's reputation.

Forms

injure · injures · injured · injuring

injury noun — Physical harm or other damage suffered.

injurious adjective — Causing physical harm or other damage.

Similar words

hurt
Often emphasizes pain rather than lasting physical damage.
damage
Often describes harm to objects, property, or systems.