First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
injury
noun in·ju·ry \ˈinj-rē, ˈin-jə-\
: harm or damage : an act or event that causes someone or something to no longer be fully healthy or in good condition
plural in·ju·ries
Full Definition of INJURY
1
a : an act that damages or hurts : wrong b : violation of another's rights for which the law allows an action to recover damages
2
: hurt, damage, or loss sustained
See injury defined for English-language learners
See injury defined for kids
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Origin of INJURY
Middle English injurie, from Anglo-French, Latin injuria, from injurus injurious, from in- + jur-, jus right — more at just
Related to INJURY
- Synonyms
- affliction, damage, detriment, harm, hurt
- Antonyms
- equitableness, equity, fairness, justice
Synonym Discussion of INJURY
injustice, injury, wrong, grievance mean an act that inflicts undeserved hurt. injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights <the injustices suffered by the lower classes>. injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation <libel constitutes a legal injury>. wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice <determined to right society's wrongs>. grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint <a list of employee grievances>.
Rhymes with INJURY
INJURY Defined for Kids
injury
noun in·ju·ry \ˈin-jə-rē\
plural in·ju·ries
Definition of INJURY for Kids
1
: hurt, damage, or loss suffered <She suffered an injury to her arm.> <These tools can cause injury.>
2
: an act that damages or hurts <“I should not like to do him an injury …” — Anna Sewell, Black Beauty>
Medical Dictionary
injury
noun in·ju·ry \ˈinj-(ə-)rē\
plural in·ju·ries
Medical Definition of INJURY
: hurt, damage, or loss sustained
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