Heal

Definition

Heal refers to the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again, especially from an injury or wound.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hil/
• Respelling: heel (with "heel" as in "feel")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hiːl/
• Respelling: heel (with "heel" as in "feel")

In both dialects, "heal" places the primary stress on the entire syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "heel."

Etymology

The word "heal" is derived from Old English hǣlan which means "to make whole, sound, or well". It has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German heilen, Old Norse heila, Gothic hailjan, all of which mean 'to heal' or 'to save'.

Derivatives

• Healer (noun)
• Healing (noun, adjective)
• Healed (adjective)
• Healable (adjective)
• Healable (adjective)

Synonyms

• Mend
• Recover
• Cure

Antonyms

• Worsen
• Deteriorate
• Damage

Usage

The term "heal" is used in various contexts, including physical, emotional, and psychological recovery. It can describe the natural process of the body repairing itself, medical interventions, or spiritual and emotional recovery.

Related Terms

• Restoration
• Rehabilitation
• Recovery
• Remedy
• Treatment

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To Become Healthy Again: To restore to health or soundness, often after an injury or illness.
  • Example: The wound took several weeks to heal completely.

• To Mend or Cure: To treat and make healthy again, whether by medical treatment or natural recovery.
  • Example: The doctor helped heal the patient's broken bone.

• To Restore Emotional Well-being: To recover from emotional or psychological distress.
  • Example: It took time for her to heal after the loss of her loved one.

Note: "Heal" signifies the restoration of health, both in a physical and emotional sense. It emphasizes the natural or aided process of returning to a state of wellness and completeness. In various contexts, it might also be used metaphorically, suggesting the mending of relationships or conditions.