English Word Heal Meaning and Definition

Word of the Day: Heal

A person heals when his or her physical condition improves. This word is similar to the verb phrase, “get better.”

• Your body needs time to heal if you get sick. (Your body needs time to get better.*)
• He’s still healing after a bad accident.
• Bob needs to see a doctor because the sore on his leg still hasn’t healed. (It hasn’t gotten better.)
• Cough drops soothe and heal a sore throat.
• She’s still healing in the wake of a bad breakup. (The word “heal” can be used for emotional or mental recovery from the end of a relationship.)
• How do you heal a broken heart?
• Following the end of the civil war, it took many years for the nation to heal.
• A faith healer is a religious person who can heal people of their illnesses simply by touching their bodies.

The word “healing” can be used as an adjective or as a noun.

• Some people who bought the healing crystals were fooled into believing the crystals could deliver relief from pain.
• The healing waters at the spa provided relief from arthritis.
• Scientists and doctors are skeptical of faith healing.
• Healing takes time. (In this sentence, “healing” is a gerund.)

*Note: Some people use “get better” instead of “heal.” If you choose to use “get better” instead of “heal,” this verb phrase is used without an object.

• My arm is getting better. (okay)
• The doctor is getting better my arm. (Incorrect!)
• The medicine healed my illness. (okay)
• The medicine got better my illnes. (Incorrect!)

Essential English Dictionary

Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with H page to see the list of all words starting with letter H. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.