hurtful

UK: ˈhɜːtfl | US: ˈhɜːrtfl

Definition

  1. adj. causing emotional pain or distress

  2. adj. harmful or damaging

Structure
hurt <pain>ful <adjective suffix, "full of">
Etymology

The word "hurtful" combines "hurt," derived from Old French "hurter" (to strike or collide, later generalized to mean physical or emotional pain), with the suffix "-ful," from Old English "-full" (meaning "full of"). Originally, "hurt" referred to physical injury, but by the 14th century, it expanded to include emotional harm. The suffix "-ful" systematically transforms nouns into adjectives denoting abundance or tendency (e.g., "painful," "joyful"). Thus, "hurtful" logically evolved to describe actions or words "full of hurt."

Examples

  1. Her hurtful comments left him speechless.

  2. Avoid spreading hurtful rumors about others.

  3. The documentary exposed the hurtful effects of bullying.

  4. He regretted his hurtful outburst during the argument.

  5. Constructive criticism is helpful, not hurtful.