n. & v.
n. 1 harm or injury impairing the value or usefulness of something, or the health or normal function of a person. 2 (in pl.) Law a sum of money claimed or awarded in compensation for a loss or an injury. 3 the loss of what is desirable. 4 (prec. by the) sl. cost (what's the damage?).
v.tr. 1 inflict damage on. 2 (esp. as damaging adj.) detract from the reputation of (a most damaging admission). damagingly adv.
[ ME f. OF damage (n.), damagier (v.), f. dam(me) loss f. L damnum loss, damage ]