injure
Definitions
To cause physical harm to a person, animal, or part of the body
使受伤，伤害（身体）
To damage someone's feelings, reputation, or interests
损害（感情、名誉、利益）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (not, against) + jūs (law, right) = injūria, literally 'a thing done against the law' — a wrong inflicted on someone. Latin meant any wrongdoing; English narrowed the main sense to physical harm, while the older abstract sense survives in 'injure someone's pride.'
Root jur still carries 75 more wordsWhy It Means This
It's surprising that 'hurt' and 'law' share a root. The link is the idea of a wrong: an injury was originally an injustice done to you, a violation of your rights. Over time the violation became physical, but you can still 'injure' a reputation or pride — that's the original 'wrong' meaning peeking through.
Common Collocations
- 1.seriously injure严重伤害
- 2.injure oneself弄伤自己
- 3.injure your knee/back弄伤膝盖/背
- 4.injure someone's pride伤害某人的自尊
Example Sentences
- 1.
Three people were seriously injured in the crash.
- 2.
He injured his knee playing football last weekend.
- 3.
Such careless remarks can deeply injure a person's pride.
Easily Confused
injure vs. hurt vs. wound — hurt is the broadest and most everyday (it also covers feelings). injure is more clinical, often used for accidents and sports. wound specifically implies a cut, gunshot, or stab — a deliberate or violent break in the skin. A soldier is wounded; an athlete is injured; your feelings get hurt.