/ dæm; NAmE / exclamation , adjective , verb , adverb , noun
■ exclamation
(also old-fashioned dam·mit / ˈdæmɪt; NAmE / damn it ) ( informal ) a swear word that people use to show that they are annoyed, disappointed, etc. :
Oh damn! I forgot he was coming.
■ adjective (also damned ) [ only before noun ] ( informal )
1.
a swear word that people use to show that they are annoyed with sb/sth :
Where's that damn book!
The damned thing won't start!
It's none of your damn business!
He's a damn nuisance!
2.
a swear word that people use to emphasize what they are saying :
What a damn shame!
•
IDIOMS
see thing
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
used when swearing at sb/sth to show that you are angry :
Damn you! I'm not going to let you bully me.
Damn this machine! Why won't it work?
2.
( of God ) to decide that sb must suffer in hell
3.
to criticize sb/sth very strongly :
The film was damned by the critics for its mindless violence.
•
IDIOMS
- damn the consequences, expense, etc.
- damn sb/sth with faint praise
- I'll be damned!
- I'm damned if ...
—more at near adverb
■ adverb (also damned ) ( informal )
1.
a swear word that people use to show that they are annoyed with sb/sth :
Don't be so damn silly!
What a damn stupid question!
You know damn well (= you know very well) what I mean!
I'll damn well leave tonight (= I am determined to) .
2.
a swear word that people use to emphasize what they are saying :
damn good
We got out pretty damned fast!
I'm damn sure she had no idea.
•
IDIOMS
- damn all
■ noun
•
IDIOMS
- not care / give a damn (about sb/sth)
—more at tinker noun
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French dam(p)ner , from Latin dam(p)nare inflict loss on, from damnum loss, damage.