The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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hurtful

adjective

/ˈhɜrt fəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of hurtful

Causing emotional or physical pain, distress, or harm to someone.
"The breakup was accompanied by hurtful accusations and harsh words."

Detailed meaning of hurtful

It implies an action, remark, or behavior that inflicts injury, whether intentional or unintentional, on an individual's feelings, well-being, or sense of self. Hurtful actions or words can leave a lasting impact, resulting in emotional anguish, sadness, or even damage to relationships. They may undermine a person's self-esteem, trigger feelings of rejection, or cause psychological distress. Hurtful behavior can manifest in various forms, such as insults, criticism, betrayal, or neglect. The adjective "hurtful" signifies the negative impact that actions or words can have on someone's emotional or physical state, highlighting the importance of empathy, compassion, and respectful communication in fostering healthy relationships and promoting well-being.

Example sentences containing hurtful

1. The hurtful comments she made left him feeling deeply wounded.
2. It was hurtful to see her best friend exclude her from the gathering.
3. He regretted his hurtful actions and vowed to make amends.
4. The hurtful rumor spread quickly, causing damage to her reputation.
5. The child's hurtful behavior towards his classmates required intervention from the teacher.
6. Her hurtful remarks during the argument strained their relationship.

History and etymology of hurtful

The adjective 'hurtful' derives its etymology from the Old English word 'hyrtful,' which was formed by combining 'hyrtan' (meaning 'to hurt' or 'to injure') with the suffix '-ful,' indicating full of or characterized by. 'Hyrtan' itself has Germanic origins and is related to the Old Norse word 'hurt,' which means 'damage' or 'injury.' Over time, 'hurtful' evolved to describe anything that is capable of causing emotional or physical pain, distress, or harm to someone, capturing the essence of its hurtful nature through its linguistic history.

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Further usage examples of hurtful

1. Receiving a rejection letter was hurtful after investing so much time and effort into the application.
2. The hurtful prank played on him caused embarrassment and humiliation.
3. The hurtful memories of the past resurfaced, causing her pain once again.
4. It's important to think before speaking to avoid saying hurtful things.
5. The hurtful betrayal by a close friend shattered her trust.
6. Her hurtful words lingered in his mind long after the argument.
7. The hurtful comments stung deeply, leaving scars.
8. He regretted the hurtful actions he had taken in the heat of anger.
9. The hurtful rumors spread like wildfire through the school.
10. Forgiving someone for their hurtful behavior can be challenging.
11. It's important to address hurtful behavior to prevent further harm.
12. The hurtful breakup left both of them heartbroken.
13. She couldn't shake the hurtful memories from her childhood.
14. It's crucial to stand up against hurtful discrimination.
15. His hurtful prank crossed the line and upset everyone.
16. The hurtful critique of her artwork nearly crushed her spirit.
17. Kindness is the antidote to hurtful words and actions.
18. She confronted him about his hurtful lies.
19. The hurtful rejection letter was a blow to his self-esteem.
20. Their hurtful indifference made her feel invisible.
21. Hurtful gossip can damage reputations and relationships.
22. The hurtful incident brought to light issues that needed addressing.
23. It's important to seek therapy if you're struggling with hurtful memories.
24. Forgiveness can help release the burden of hurtful experiences.
25. He learned the hard way that hurtful actions have consequences.