help (hlp) v. helped, helping, helps v.tr. 1. To give assistance to; aid: I helped her find the book.

He helped me into my coat. 2. To contribute to the furtherance of; promote. 3. To give relief to: help the needy. 4. To ease; relieve: medication to help your cold. 5. To change for the better; improve: A fresh coat of paint will help a scarred old table. 6. To refrain from; avoid or resist. Used with can or cannot: couldn't help laug hing. 7. To wait on, as in a store or restaurant. v.intr. To be of service; give assistance. n. 1. a. The act or an instance of helping. b. Aid or assistance.