hurtful

Hurtful is an adjective used to describe something that causes emotional pain, distress, or physical injury. In everyday use, the term most often refers to words or actions, such as remarks, jokes, accusations, or behaviors that hurt another person’s feelings or sense of self. Less commonly, it can describe physical harm, though "harmful" or "injurious" are more typical for non-emotional injury.

The intensity and impact of something described as hurtful depend on context and perception. Language scholars note that intent does not always determine hurt; even a statement intended as a joke can be hurtful to someone who interprets it as insulting or demeaning. Many speakers distinguish "hurtful" from harsher terms like "cruel" or "abusive," while recognizing overlap with "harmful" in discussions of well-being.

Etymology: The word is formed from the verb "hurt" plus the suffix "-ful," meaning "full of" or "having the quality of." It derives from Old English and other Germanic roots; the sense of causing pain or damage to someone else has long existed in English.

Usage notes: "Unintentionally hurtful" or "hurtful remarks" are common collocations. In editing or education, discussions about hurtful language often emphasize accountability, empathy, and the impact of words on others. See also terms such as "insult," "humiliation," "bullying."