heal

UK: hiːl | US: hiːl

Definition

  1. vt. to make healthy or whole again; restore to health

  2. vi. to become healthy or whole again

Structure
heal <whole, sound>
Etymology

The word "heal" traces back to Old English hǣlan, meaning "to make whole or sound." It shares roots with Old English hāl (whole, healthy), which also gave rise to "whole" and "hale." The core idea revolves around restoring completeness or health, reflecting the ancient belief that healing was a return to an original, undamaged state. Over time, the term narrowed to focus primarily on physical or emotional recovery.

Examples

  1. Time will heal your wounds.

  2. The doctor worked tirelessly to heal the sick child.

  3. This ointment helps heal minor cuts quickly.

  4. Their reconciliation began to heal the rift between them.

  5. The forest slowly heals after a wildfire.