can't help something

can't help (doing something)

1. To have a compulsion to do something that is too strong to ignore or avoid. We can't help intervening here, before you throw your life away on drugs! My mom can't help meddling in my love life, even though I'm 30 years old!

2. To have no control over or be unable to avoid some action. I know you're irritated, but they couldn't help arriving late—the whole city is locked in a traffic jam. I know it's silly, but I can't help feeling like I failed you somehow.

See also: help

can’t help (doing) something

,

can’t help but do something

not be able to avoid or resist doing something: A kleptomaniac is a person who can’t help stealing things. ♢ ‘I’m sorry, I can’t help it,’ she said, bursting into tears. ♢ He’s a bit of a fool, but you can’t help but like him.

See also: help, something