aid

[[t]e͟ɪd[/t]]

♦

aids, aiding, aided

1) N-UNCOUNT: oft supp N, N to n Aid is money, equipment, or services that are provided for people, countries, or organizations who need them but cannot provide them for themselves.

...regular flights carrying humanitarian aid to Cambodia...

They have already pledged billions of dollars in aid.

...food aid convoys.

2) VERB To aid a country, organization, or person means to provide them with money, equipment, or services that they need.

[V n] ...US efforts to aid Kurdish refugees.

[V n] ...a charitable organization that has spent millions aiding pharmaceutical research.

Derived words:

-aided COMB in ADJ

...grant-aided factories.

...state-aided schools.

3) VERB To aid someone means to help or assist them. [WRITTEN]

[V n] ...a software system to aid managers in advanced decision-making...

[V-ed] The hunt for her killer will continue, with police aided by the army and air force. [Also V n to-inf]

Syn:

assistance

N-UNCOUNT

Aid is also a noun.

He was forced to turn for aid to his former enemy.

4) N-UNCOUNT: usu with/without the N of n If you perform a task with the aid of something, you need or use that thing to perform that task.

He succeeded with the aid of a completely new method he discovered...

Gently raise your upper body to a sitting position, without the aid of your hands.

Syn:

help

5) N-COUNT: oft N to n An aid is an object, device, or technique that makes something easier to do.

The new law gives authorities a responsibility to provide aids to the disabled...

The book is an invaluable aid to teachers of literature...

Colonel Hardy would like to see every tank with a computerized aid.

6) VERB If something aids a process, it makes it easier or more likely to happen.

[V n] The survey suggests that the export sector will continue to aid the economic recovery...

[V in n/-ing] Calcium may aid in the prevention of colon cancer.

7) → See also , first aid, , legal aid

8) PHRASE: PHR n An activity or event in aid of a particular cause or charity is intended to raise money for that cause or charity. [mainly BRIT]

...a charity performance in aid of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.

9) PHRASE: V inflects If you come or go to someone's aid, you try to help them when they are in danger or difficulty.

We're coming to the aid of the people of Somalia at the request of the United Nations...

Horrified neighbours rushed to his aid as he fell.