Phrase guide

help out

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To provide assistance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive, transitive

Examples

  • When we moved house, the children helped out by packing their toys.
  • Could you help me out? I'm trying to find the railway station.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

be of help, as in a particular situation of need

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Can you help out tonight with the dinner guests?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: help, assist, aid

History

Etymology

Compare German aushelfen.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: dépanner — provide assistance
  • Galician: axudar — provide assistance
  • Galician: asesorar — provide assistance
  • German: aushelfen — provide assistance
  • Italian: essere d'aiuto — provide assistance
  • Latvian: izlīdzēt — provide assistance
  • Polish: pomóc — provide assistance
  • Swedish: ställa upp — provide assistance
  • Swedish: stötta — provide assistance