First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
heal
verb \ˈhēl\
: to become healthy or well again
: to make (someone or something) healthy or well again
Full Definition of HEAL
transitive verb
1
a : to make sound or whole <heal a wound> b : to restore to health
2
a : to cause (an undesirable condition) to be overcome : mend <the troubles … had not been forgotten, but they had been healed — William Power> b : to patch up (a breach or division) <heal a breach between friends>
3
: to restore to original purity or integrity <healed of sin>
intransitive verb
: to return to a sound state
See heal defined for English-language learners
See heal defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of HEAL
Middle English helen, from Old English hǣlan; akin to Old High German heilen to heal, Old English hāl whole — more at whole
HEALS Defined for Kids
heal
verb \ˈhēl\
healedheal·ing
Definition of HEAL for Kids
: to make or become healthy or well again <The cut healed slowly.>
— heal·er noun
Medical Dictionary
heal
transitive verb \ˈhē(ə)l\
Medical Definition of HEAL
1
: to make sound or whole especially in bodily condition
2
: to cure of disease or disorder <heal injured tissues>
intransitive verb
1
: to return to a sound state <the wound heals>
2
: to effect a cure
—heal·er \ˈhē-lər\ noun
Learn More About HEAL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up heal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).