Main Entry: ¹help

Pronunciation: \ˈhelp; Southern often ˈhep also ˈheəp\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English helpan; akin to Old High German helfan to help, and perhaps to Lithuanian šelpti

Date: before 12th century

transitive verb 1 : to give assistance or support to <help a child with homework>
2 a : to make more pleasant or bearable : improve, relieve <bright curtains will help the room> <took an aspirin to help her headache> b archaic : rescue, save
3 a : to be of use to : benefit b : to further the advancement of : promote
4 a : to change for the better b : to refrain from : avoid <we couldn't help laughing> c : to keep from occurring : prevent <they couldn't help the accident> d : to restrain (oneself) from doing something <knew they shouldn't go but couldn't help themselves>
5 : to serve with food or drink especially at a meal <told the guests to help themselves>
6 : to appropriate something for (oneself) <helped himself to the car keys>intransitive verb 1 : give assistance or support —often used with out <helps out with the housework>
2 : to be of use or benefit

synonyms see improve

— so help me : upon my word : believe it or not