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).
Derivatives:
damagingly adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF damage (n.), damagier (v.), f. dam(me) loss f. L damnum loss, damage