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

The biggest boost for UCLA’s defense could be the absence of Cam Porter, the Northwestern running back who was lost for the season earlier this month because of a leg injury.

From Los Angeles Times

“The moral injuries of this operation, I think, will be enduring,” a California National Guard officer told the New York Times in July during the president’s action against L.A.

From Salon

The 28 year old, from the Kilkeel area, died from his injuries in hospital on Monday night.

From BBC

Teammates and onlookers at Guy's Meadow Stadium rushed to her aid and several phoned for an ambulance after realising the seriousness of her injury.

From BBC

Despite injuries and an occasional slow start, the Chargers are playing great defense and Justin Herbert should be able to outplay the Giants’ limited offense.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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