heal

verb

ˈhēl 

healed; healing; heals

transitive verb

1

a

: to make free from injury or disease : to make sound or whole

heal a wound

b

: to make well again : to restore to health

heal the sick

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 or correct (a breach or division)

heal a breach between friends

3

: to restore to original purity or integrity

healed of sin

intransitive verb

: to become free from injury or disease : to return to a sound state

The cut has already healed.

Synonyms

• cure
• fix
• mend
• rehab
• rehabilitate
• set up

Examples of heal in a Sentence

You've got to give the injury time to heal.

After the divorce, he needed some time to heal.

The ointment will help heal the wound.

Recent Examples on the Web

At his former school, officials said extra counselors would be available to offer one-on-one counseling, spiritual guidance, prayer space, grief workshops and other healing exercises. —Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025

The bariatric surgery diet gradually introduces new foods and textures as the digestive system heals, supporting weight loss and reducing the risk of postoperative complications. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025

Rebuilding destroyed neighborhoods will take much longer, and the psychological effects of trauma on the affected communities may never heal completely. —Trevor Riggen, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

Far from a jumble of disparate elements—this is not your average jukebox—the show is a poignant, rousing evocation of a country caught in the crosshairs of history and of the art that can heal its wounds. —Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English helen, from Old English hǣlan; akin to Old High German heilen to heal, Old English hāl whole — more at whole

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing heal

• heal the rift/breach
• self-heal

Rhymes for heal

• beal
• chiel
• ciel
• creel
• deal
• diel
• eel
• feel
• feil
• heel
• keel
• kneel

Kids Definition

heal

verb

ˈhē(ə)l 

: to make or become healthy or whole

heal the sick

a cut that heals slowly

Medical Definition

heal

transitive verb

ˈhē(ə)l 

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

healer

ˈhē-lər 

noun