/ ˈdæmɪdʒ; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ U ] damage (to sth) physical harm caused to sth which makes it less attractive, useful or valuable :
serious / severe / extensive / permanent / minor damage
brain / liver etc. damage
fire / smoke / bomb / storm damage
The earthquake caused damage to property estimated at $6 million.
The storm didn't do much damage .
Let's take a look at the damage.
I insist on paying for the damage.
Make sure you insure your camera against loss or damage.
2.
[ U ] damage (to sb/sth) harmful effects on sb/sth :
emotional damage resulting from divorce
damage to a person's reputation
This could cause serious damage to the country's economy.
I'm going—I've done enough damage here already.
3.
damages [ pl. ] an amount of money that a court decides should be paid to sb by the person, company, etc. that has caused them harm or injury :
He was ordered to pay damages totalling £30 000.
They intend to sue for damages.
Ann was awarded £6 000 (in) damages.
•
IDIOMS
- what's the damage?
■ verb
[ vn ] to harm or spoil sth/sb :
The fire badly damaged the town hall.
Several vehicles were damaged in the crash.
Smoking seriously damages your health.
The allegations are likely to damage his political career.
emotionally damaged children
••
SYNONYMS
damage
hurt ♦ harm ♦ impair ♦ prejudice
These words all mean to to have a bad effect on sb/sth.
damage
to cause physical harm to sth, making it less attractive, useful or valuable; to have a bad effect on sb / sth's life, health, happiness or chances of success:
The fire badly damaged the town hall.
•
emotionally damaged children
hurt
( rather informal ) to have a bad effect on sb / sth's life, health, happiness or chances of success:
Hard work never hurt anyone.
harm
to have a bad effect on sb / sth's life, health, happiness or chances of success:
Pollution can harm marine life.
damage, hurt or harm?
All these words can be used to talk about how things can put people in a weaker position. An action or decision can damage / hurt / harm a person's or country's chances , prospects , interests , reputation or image . Hurt is slightly less formal, especially when it is used in negative statements:
It won't hurt him to have to wait a bit.
• It won't damage / harm him to have to wait a bit. Harm is also often used to talk about ways in which things in the natural world such as wildlife and the environment are affected by human activity.
impair
( rather formal ) to damage sb's health, abilities or chances:
Even one drink can impair driving performance.
prejudice
( formal ) to damage sb's health, happiness or chances:
She did not disclose evidence that was likely to prejudice her client's case.
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
to damage / hurt / harm / impair / prejudice sb's health / chances
to damage / hurt / harm / prejudice sb's interests
to damage / hurt / harm sb's reputation
to seriously / severely / greatly / irreparably damage / hurt / harm / impair / prejudice sb/sth
to badly damage / hurt / harm / impair sb/sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French , from dam , damne loss or damage, from Latin damnum loss or hurt; compare with damn .