damage
Meaning: Physical harm that reduces value or usefulness; to cause harm
The word 'damage' refers to harm caused to something that impairs its value, usefulness, or normal function. It can be physical, emotional, or reputational. 'Damages' (plural) in legal terms refers to money paid as compensation. 'What's the damage?' is slang for 'how much does it cost?'
Examples
- The storm caused extensive damage to the roof. 暴风雨对屋顶造成了严重损坏。La tormenta causó daños extensos en el tejado.嵐で屋根に甚大な被害が出た。폭풍으로 지붕에 심각한 피해가 발생했다.
- Smoking can seriously damage your health. 吸烟会严重损害你的健康。Fumar puede dañar seriamente tu salud.喫煙は健康を深刻に損なう可能性がある。흡연은 건강을 심각하게 해칠 수 있다.
- The scandal did lasting damage to his reputation. 那场丑闻对他的名誉造成了持久的损害。El escándalo causó un daño duradero a su reputación.そのスキャンダルは彼の評判に永続的なダメージを与えた。그 스캔들은 그의 명성에 지속적인 타격을 주었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French 'damage', from Latin 'damnum' meaning 'loss, hurt, damage'. Related to 'damn' and 'condemn', both from the same Latin root. The legal sense of 'damages' (compensation) dates from the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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