injury

noun in·ju·ry \ ˈinj-rē , ˈin-jə- \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of injury

plural injuries

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

Examples of injury in a Sentence

Hikers need to take sensible precautions to prevent injury.
She's concerned about the risk of injury to her reputation.
The team has been weakened by illness and injury.
Careless use of these tools can cause serious bodily injury.
She survived the accident without injury.
She fell and suffered an injury to her arm.
His athletic career has been slowed by injuries.

Recent Examples of injury from the Web

Suicidality or self-injury threat was listed as a concern in 61 percent of cases, and risk of harm to others was a concern in 32 percent of cases.

— dan roe, SELF, "Why Aren't We Talking About Suicide When We Talk About Gun Violence?," 13 Apr. 2018
Buccaneers: Minkah Fitzpatrick, DB, Alabama Demar Dotson’s injury puts Nelson in play.

— albert breer, SI.com, "NFL Mock Draft Vol. 4: The Giants Hold the Key—To Draft or Not to Draft a Quarterback?," 17 Apr. 2018
Schneider also appeared to survive an injury scare with about 10 minutes left in the third when Tampa Bay defenseman Ryan McDonagh collided with him.

— field level media, New York Times, "Devils Rally to Climb Back Into Series Against Lightning," 17 Apr. 2018
The room will become more crowded when senior Jaylen Smith’s wrist injury heals.

— jake lourim, The Courier-Journal, "Stock up, stock down: A look at Louisville football after spring camp 2018," 16 Apr. 2018
She is currently assigned to work with athletes at Lawrence Technological University as an injury prevention specialist.

— lauren rao, m.ed., at, atc, Detroit Free Press, "7 common workout mistakes to avoid," 16 Apr. 2018
Fish was arrested April 12 on reckless endangerment, breach of peace and risk of injury charges.

— christine dempsey, courant.com, "Montville 'Fight Club' Referral Being Handled In New London," 16 Apr. 2018
More injury woes: Already without Christian Yelich (oblique) and Manny Piña (calf) for the series, the Brewers played the finale with only a pinch-hitting appearance from Braun and lost Eric Thames in the third inning.

— todd rosiak, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mets 3, Brewers 2: Wilmer Flores' walk-off homer wins it," 15 Apr. 2018
Dortmund's disappointing afternoon ended with Michy Batshuayi being stretchered off in injury time.

— afp, chicagotribune.com, "Bundesliga Recap: Schalke win Ruhr derby over Dortmund, bolster grip on 2nd place," 15 Apr. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of injury

Middle English injurie, from Anglo-French, Latin injuria, from injurus injurious, from in- + jur-, jus right — more at just

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

injury Synonyms

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

INJURY Defined for English Language Learners

injury

noun

Definition of injury for English Language Learners

: harm or damage : an act or event that causes someone or something to no longer be fully healthy or in good condition

INJURY Defined for Kids

injury

noun in·ju·ry \ ˈin-jə-rē \

Definition of injury for Students

plural injuries

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 \

medical Definition of injury

plural injuries

: hurt, damage, or loss sustained

Law Dictionary

injury

noun in·ju·ry

legal Definition of injury

plural injuries

1 : an act that wrongs or harms another; specifically : a violation of a legally protected interest (as the physical or mental well-being, property, reputation, or rights of another) for which the law allows an action for legal or equitable relief

2 : hurt, damage, or loss sustained