injury

[in-juh-ree]

noun

plural

injuries 

1. harm or damage that is done or sustained.

   to escape without injury.

   Synonyms: mischief, impairment, ruin, destruction
   Antonyms: benefit

2. a particular form or instance of harm.

   an injury to one's shoulder; an injury to one's pride.

3. wrong or injustice done or suffered.

4. Law.,  any wrong or violation of the rights, property, reputation, etc., of another for which legal action to recover damages may be made.

5. Obsolete.,  injurious speech; calumny.

injury

/ ˈɪndʒərɪ /

noun

1. physical damage or hurt

2. a specific instance of this

   a leg injury

3. harm done to a reputation

4. law a violation or infringement of another person's rights that causes him harm and is actionable at law

5. an obsolete word for insult

Other Word Forms

• noninjury noun
• reinjury noun
• self-injury noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of injury¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English injurie, from Latin injūria “unlawful conduct, injustice,” equivalent to in- in- ³ + jūr-, stem of jūs “right, law” ( jus, just ¹ ) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of injury¹

C14: from Latin injūria injustice, wrong, from injūriōsus acting unfairly, wrongful, from _in- ¹ + jūs right

Idioms and Phrases

see add insult to injury.

Synonym Study

Injury, hurt, wound refer to impairments or wrongs. Injury, originally denoting a wrong done or suffered, is hence used for any kind of evil, impairment, or loss, caused or sustained: physical injury; injury to one's reputation. Hurt suggests especially physical injury, often bodily injury attended with pain: a bad hurt from a fall. A wound is usually a physical hurt caused by cutting, shooting, etc., or an emotional hurt: a serious wound in the shoulder; to inflict a wound by betraying someone's trust.

Example Sentences

Her ability to bowl again after injury has also completely rejuvenated the balance of the side.

Read more on BBC

Sam Farmer’s pick: Despite all the offensive-line reshufflings and the injuries at running back, the Chargers should be able to establish a ground attack that opens the passing lanes for Herbert.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He was attacked in prison in August 2023, but his injuries were not life threatening.

Read more on BBC

As a result, women and children bear a disproportionate share of the consequences, including physical injuries, emotional distress, economic strain, and disruptions to schooling and family life.

Read more on Science Daily

Jackson is out because of a hamstring injury, so Cooper Rush is expected to start.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abuse 
• bruise 
• burn 
• cramp 
• cut 
• damage 
• fracture 
• laceration 
• loss 
• scar 
• shock 
• sore 
• sprain 
• suffering 
• swelling 
• trauma 
• wound