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

The injuries caused are an enduring and conspicuous form of revenge on adversaries.

— The Economist, "New fears, old menaceAcid attacks have a long history in Britain," 20 July 2017
His practice included automobile and trucking accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, insurance disputes and a general practice of law.

— carol robinson, AL.com, "Wife of murdered Cullman attorney in good condition, thanks community for prayers," 19 July 2017
Delimitros said one of the truck’s side view mirrors struck her in the head, causing minor injuries.

— david hernandez, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Police: Pickup driver deliberately hits traffic controller near Convention Center," 19 July 2017
The student was hospitalized for his injuries and diagnosed with a blood clot in his head, prosecutors said.

— nick swedberg, Daily Southtown, "South Holland woman charged in 2015 fatal beating of granddaughter's boyfriend," 19 July 2017
Martin Prado suffered another injury setback in what’s been a frustrating 2017 season for the veteran third baseman.

— andre c. fernandez, miamiherald, "Martin Prado headed to DL for third time this season; Rojas returning Tuesday," 18 July 2017
But until Mr. Trump took office, that power had been used only once — by Mr. Bush, who reversed a rule on workplace injuries.

— New York Times, "Trump Says He Has Signed More Bills Than Any President, Ever. He Hasn’t.," 17 July 2017
Funded by Boeing, the arm was developed in part to help airplane assemblers install overhead bins and do other work above their heads, one of the leading causes of workplace strain and injury.

— matthew hutson, Science | AAAS, "Watch this robotic appendage give humans a third arm," 17 July 2017
London (AP) -- British police are appealing for information after a spate of acid attacks across northeast London left at least one person with life-changing injuries and severely injured several others.

— Bloomberg.com, "UK Police Appeal for Information After 5 Acid Attacks in Just 90 Minutes," 14 July 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

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

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