injury

play

noun in·ju·ry \ˈinj-rē, ˈin-jə-\

Definition of injury

plural

injuries

1a : an act that damages or hurts : wrongb : 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

Cause for concern: Wheaton partially tore the labrum in his right shoulder during the preseason last summer and was never able to get the injury under control.

— dan wiederer, chicagotribune.com, "With training camp nearing, Bears receiving corps a mess of uncertainty", 3 June 2017
The health department and the medical board have tried repeatedly to stop or restrict Omulepu’s ability to perform liposuction following the four patient injuries in May 2015.

— daniel chang, miamiherald, "Dead woman had surgery with Miami 'butt lift’ doctor accused of malpractice", 2 June 2017
But there is no reliable test to detect the injury, called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, in its earliest stages.

— lawrence k. altman, m.d., New York Times, "The Earliest Signs of Brain Damage in Athletes? Listen for Them", 29 May 2017
That season, Baylor lost quarterback Seth Russell to a season-ending neck injury, forcing Stidham into the starting lineup.

— tom green, AL.com, "The most important lesson Auburn's Chip Lindsey learned at Arizona State", 29 May 2017
Hornqvist, who will be a game-time decision for Game 1 while recovering from upper-body injury, gives the Penguins a nearly intractable net-front presence.

— Bloomberg.com, "Mystique Vs. Mayhem in Unlikely Stanley Cup Final", 28 May 2017
Authorities say two police officers are recovering from minor injuries after they were shot chasing a driver who ran from a traffic stop in South Carolina.

— the associated press, The Seattle Times, "2 officers suffer minor injuries in South Carolina shooting", 27 May 2017
A third man, Micah David-Cole Fletcher, 21, was stabbed as well but is being treated in a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

— associated press, Esquire, "What We Know About the Stabbing Attack on a Portland Train", 27 May 2017
Sue Bird, Storm: 9.0 points, 8.0 assists in 30.8 minutes (2 games and starts; missed first two games with knee injury).

— hartford courant, courant.com, "UConn Players In The WNBA", 27 May 2017

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

First Known Use: 14th century

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

play

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

play

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

play

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