injury
/ˈɪn.dʒə.ɹi/
In a physical context, this word describes the actual damage sustained by the body. It is more clinical than "hurt" and often implies a specific site of trauma (e.g., a knee injury). While "wound" usually suggests an open break in the skin, "injury" covers everything from internal sprains to broken bones. In a legal or social context, it shifts toward a sense of violation or loss. Here, it describes a wrong committed against someone's rights, reputation, or well-being. It carries a heavier weight of injustice than a simple "mistake," suggesting that a corrective action (redress) is necessary to restore balance.
Countable when referring to a specific wound or a distinct act of injustice ('a knee injury', 'multiple injuries'). Uncountable when discussing the general concept of harm or legal damage ('the risk of injury', 'causing injury to another').
💬Casual Conversation
Can't make it to gym. My ankle injury is acting up again.
You're just flaking because you haven't started that essay.
Meanings
Etymology
Derived from the Old French injurie, which evolved from the Latin injuria, meaning an offense or wrong. The Latin root is a combination of in- meaning not and jus meaning right or law, literally translating to an act that is not right or is contrary to the law. Over time, the term expanded from purely legal wrongs to include physical harm to the body.