injury

noun

in·​ju·​ry ˈin-j(ə-)rē 

plural injuries

1

: hurt, damage, or loss sustained

2

a

: an act that damages or hurts : wrong

b

: violation of another's rights for which the law allows an action to recover damages

Synonyms

• harm
• damage

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

Anderson's injury also forced him to cancel a songwriting session with fellow Opry member T. Graham Brown, as well as an appearance for longtime Opry sponsor WSM radio at the Tennessee State Fair. —Marcus K. Dowling, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025

The Miami Dolphins’ final preseason practice proved to be a tough one on the injury front. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2025

Alaba is already 33 and, for almost two years now, injuries or relapses have prevented him playing regularly, so his recovery has been viewed with pessimism within the club. —Mario Cortegana, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

Furthermore, Vaughn disconnected from baseball for years after injuries prematurely ended his career in 2003. —John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing injury

• acquired brain injury
• add insult to injury
• do oneself an injury
• injury-prone
• injury time
• repetitive strain injury
• self-injury
• traumatic brain injury

Kids Definition

injury

noun

in·​ju·​ry ˈinj-(ə-)rē 

plural injuries

1

: an act that damages or hurts : wrong

2

: hurt, damage, or loss received

Medical Definition

injury

noun

in·​ju·​ry ˈinj-(ə-)rē 

plural injuries

: hurt, damage, or loss sustained

Legal Definition

injury

noun

in·​ju·​ry

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

Etymology

Latin injuria, from injurus injurious, from in- not + jur-, jus right