heal

verb \ ˈhēl \

Definition of heal

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 healed
—William 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.

See heal defined for English-language learners

See heal defined for kids

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 of heal from the Web

Heal the Bay, which posts periodic report cards on water quality along the California coast, had noted some dramatic improvements in 2016—until the history-making storms hit.

— ann herold, Los Angeles Magazine, "These Photos Will Make You Fall in Love with LA’s Beaches All Over Again," 17 July 2017
Thursday is the six-week mark since his final operation and the point when his surgeon said the tissue around the incision on his stomach should be healed.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "Rangers’ Diekman inching closer to first bullpen session," 17 July 2017
Reconcile with the part of you that needs healing from a wound suffered long ago.

— jodie layne, Allure, "What This Week's Horoscope Means for You," 17 July 2017
The twins stayed at Lucile Packard for three months, fighting infections while their large wounds healed.

— sammy caiola, sacbee, "From conjoined twins to independent toddlers, Sandoval girls flourish after risky surgery," 14 July 2017
But the healing of the Iraqi people will take generations — healing that can begin only when the violence stops.

— andrew doran, National Review, "Bulletin from Mosul — the Mission Is Still Far from Accomplished," 14 July 2017
In addition to the $10 million in property damage, the riots left economic and emotional scars on Brick City that, in many ways, have not yet healed.

— errin haines whack, The Seattle Times, "Newark riots recall era echoed by Black Lives Matter," 6 July 2017
That would heal my PTSD, adrenal problems and my relationship with skiing.

— connor grossman, SI.com, "How fear influences athletes—and what you can do to have a healthy relationship with it," 5 July 2017
He was nursed back to health at a shelter, and neutered and healed when he was adopted to a woman with children.

— idahostatesman, "Meridian Pet of the Week: Tigger," 3 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of heal

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

heal Synonyms

Synonyms

cure, fix, mend, rehab, rehabilitate, set up

Related Words

attend (to), care (for), doctor, medicate, minister (to), nurse, physic, treat; fortify, rejuvenate, renew, resuscitate, revitalize, revive; alleviate, relieve, remedy, repair

Near Antonyms

cripple, damage, disable, harm, hurt, impair, injure, lacerate, lame, maim, mangle, mutilate, wound; afflict, ail, debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, lay up, sap, sicken, waste, weaken

HEAL Defined for English Language Learners

heal

verb

Definition of heal for English Language Learners

: to become healthy or well again
: to make (someone or something) healthy or well again

HEAL Defined for Kids

heal

verb \ ˈhēl \

Definition of heal for Students

healed; healing

:to make or become healthy or well again

The cut healed slowly.

—

healer

noun

Medical Dictionary

heal

transitive verb \ ˈhē(ə)l \

medical Definition of heal

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

play \ˈhē-lər\ noun

Learn More about heal

See words that rhyme with heal Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for heal Spanish Central: Translation of heal Nglish: Translation of heal for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of heal for Arabic speakers

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HEAL Defined for English Language Learners

heal

Definition of heal for English Language Learners

HEAL Defined for Kids

heal

Definition of heal for Students

healer

Medical Dictionary

heal

medical Definition of heal

healer

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