heal

verb

healed; healing; heals

transitive verb

1
a
: to make free from injury or disease : to make sound or whole
heal a wound
b
: to make well again : to restore to health
heal the sick
2
a
: to cause (an undesirable condition) to be overcome : mend
the troubles … had not been forgotten, but they had been healedWilliam Power
b
: to patch up or correct (a breach or division)
heal a breach between friends
3
: to restore to original purity or integrity
healed of sin

intransitive verb

: to become free from injury or disease : to return to a sound state
The cut has already healed.

Examples of heal in a Sentence

You've got to give the injury time to heal. After the divorce, he needed some time to heal. The ointment will help heal the wound.
Recent Examples on the Web Chicks are treated with antibiotics to heal the mouth sores caused by avian diphtheria. Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024 She is favored by double digits, 48% to 31%, as the candidate better able to heal the nation's political divisions. Susan Page, USA TODAY, 21 Oct. 2024 Founded by skin cancer surgeon Antony Nakhla, the brand is best known for its Regenerative Serum, $325, which contains a proprietary blend of peptides, amino acids and growth factors, informed by Nakhla’s work healing open wounds. Noor Lobad, WWD, 18 Oct. 2024 For mild cases, treatment may involve a combination of rest, antibiotics, and a temporary switch to a liquid or low-fiber diet to allow the colon to heal. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for heal 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English helen, from Old English hǣlan; akin to Old High German heilen to heal, Old English hāl whole — more at whole

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of heal was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near heal

Cite this Entry

“Heal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heal. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

heal

verb
: to make or become healthy or whole
heal the sick
a cut that heals slowly

Medical Definition

heal

transitive verb
1
: to make sound or whole especially in bodily condition
2
: to cure of disease or disorder
heal injured tissues

intransitive verb

1
: to return to a sound state
the wound heals
2
: to effect a cure
healer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on heal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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