# Harms

/ˈhɑɹmz/ (US) · /hˈɑːmz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/harms
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

physical or mental damage, or the bad effects that something can have on a person or situation.

For teachers: physical, mental, or moral injuries; the negative consequences or damages resulting from an action or policy.

## Examples

- The new law aims to reduce the harms of smoking.
- Researchers are studying the potential harms of social media use on the mental health of teenagers.
- A comprehensive public health strategy must weigh the immediate benefits of the intervention against the long-term social and economic harms that might arise from its implementation.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the plural form when discussing various types of negative impacts or consequences.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.