"lastimar" vs "herir"

Question

What is the difference between 'lastimar' and 'herir'?

Edited to be compatible with IntenetExplorer formatting. Please do not use double quote (" ") marks in the question box. - Moe, Apr 13, 2011

Answer 1

These are synonyms. But I believe that "herir" goes more to a physical damage, whereas "lastimar" is more of a psychological hurt. Although it makes sense to "herir los sentimientos" or "lastimar a un amigo." Depending on the context, one could be more poetic than the other.

Answer 2

According to what I read lastimar refers to a minor injury while herir is a major injury Herir also means to wound and to hurt emotionally.

Answer 3

Thanks a lot!

Answer 4

Both the answer by zen and bella are great answers, but not just tryint to refer you, I think the dictionary can actually clear some things up here. It did for me, because I hadn't heard the word herir before, meaning lastimar is the more common hurt. I'm assuming from what i've read, herir is more severe, almost to mame something. Anyways, let me know if this is helpful.

herir & lastimar

Saludos,

DJ Huero ((( d(-_-)b )))