injury

noun

in·​ju·​ry ˈin-j(ə-)rē 

plural injuries

1

: hurt, damage, or loss sustained

2

a

: an act that damages or hurts : wrong

b

: violation of another's rights for which the law allows an action to recover damages

Synonyms

• affliction
• damage
• detriment
• harm
• hurt

Choose the Right Synonym for injury

injustice, injury, wrong, grievance mean an act that inflicts undeserved hurt.

injustice applies to any act that involves unfairness to another or violation of one's rights.

the injustices suffered by the lower classes

injury applies in law specifically to an injustice for which one may sue to recover compensation.

libel constitutes a legal injury

wrong applies also in law to any act punishable according to the criminal code; it may apply more generally to any flagrant injustice.

determined to right society's wrongs

grievance applies to a circumstance or condition that constitutes an injustice to the sufferer and gives just ground for complaint.

a list of employee grievances

Examples of injury in a Sentence

Hikers need to take sensible precautions to prevent injury.

She's concerned about the risk of injury to her reputation.

The team has been weakened by illness and injury.

Careless use of these tools can cause serious bodily injury.

She survived the accident without injury.

She fell and suffered an injury to her arm.

His athletic career has been slowed by injuries.

Recent Examples on the Web

Baker Mayfield had just 116 yards for the Bucs and got sacked twice, including on a third-down play in the fourth quarter by Nick Bosa, who battled through a right-hip injury. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

Mack played only a handful of snaps because of a groin injury. —Elliott Teaford, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024

The filing also discusses regulatory changes, including Medicare reimbursement adjustments, and provides an overview of the company's strategy to continue acquiring outpatient physical therapy practices and expanding its industrial injury prevention services. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024

The Bengals needed running back help after Zach Moss suffered a neck injury that is set to sideline him indefinitely. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English injurie, from Anglo-French, Latin injuria, from injurus injurious, from in- + jur-, jus right — more at just

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing injury

• acquired brain injury
• add insult to injury
• do oneself an injury
• injury-prone
• injury time
• repetitive strain injury
• self-injury
• traumatic brain injury

Kids Definition

injury

noun

in·​ju·​ry ˈinj-(ə-)rē 

plural injuries

1

: an act that damages or hurts : wrong

2

: hurt, damage, or loss received

Medical Definition

injury

noun

in·​ju·​ry ˈinj-(ə-)rē 

plural injuries

: hurt, damage, or loss sustained

Legal Definition

injury

noun

in·​ju·​ry

plural injuries

1

: an act that wrongs or harms another

specifically : a violation of a legally protected interest (as the physical or mental well-being, property, reputation, or rights of another) for which the law allows an action for legal or equitable relief

2

: hurt, damage, or loss sustained

Etymology

Latin injuria, from injurus injurious, from in- not + jur-, jus right