help in WordNet English dictionary

1. the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
   "he gave me an assist with the housework"; "could not walk without assistance"; "rescue party went to their aid"; "offered his help in unloading"
   aid  assist  assistance  help 
   
2. a resource
   "visual aids in teaching"
   aid  assistance  help 
   
3. a person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
   "my invaluable assistant"; "they hired additional help to finish the work"
   assistant  helper  help  supporter 
   
4. a means of serving
   "of no avail"; "there's no help for it"
   avail  help  service 
   

1. improve the condition of
   "These pills will help the patient"
   help  aid 
   
2. give help or assistance; be of service
   "Everyone helped out during the earthquake"; "Can you help me carry this table?"; "She never helps around the house"
   help  assist  aid 
   
3. take or use
   "She helped herself to some of the office supplies"
   avail  help 
   
4. be of use
   "This will help to prevent accidents"
   help  facilitate 
   
5. improve; change for the better
   "New slipcovers will help the old living room furniture"
   help 
   
6. help to some food; help with food or drink
   "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"
   serve  help 
   
7. contribute to the furtherance of
   "This money will help the development of literacy in developing countries"
   help 
   
8. abstain from doing; always used with a negative
   "I can't help myself--I have to smoke"; "She could not help watching the sad spectacle"
   help oneself  help