I. ˈdamij, -mēj noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from dam damage (from Latin damnum damage, fine) + -age — more at damn
1. : loss due to injury : injury or harm to person, property, or reputation : hurt , harm
flood damage
damage resulting from upheavals of nature
items that may be canceled without damage to the essential plan
my poor parents were afraid of social damage to their child — Rose Macaulay
2. obsolete : a thing to be regretted : misfortune , disadvantage
3. damages plural : the estimated reparation in money for detriment or injury sustained : compensation or satisfaction imposed by law for a wrong or injury caused by a violation of a legal right
bring a suit for damages
was awarded compensatory damages of $4000
— compare damnum absque injuria ; see compensatory damages , general damages , nominal damages , punitive damages , special damages
4. : expense , cost , charge
Synonyms: see injury
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English damagen, from Middle French damagier, from Old French, from damage, n.
transitive verb
: to do or cause damage to : hurt , injure , impair
rehabilitation centers for men damaged by war
damaged his case by overstating it
frost severe enough to damage fruit trees
intransitive verb
: to become damaged
a sturdy cloth that does not damage easily
Synonyms: see injure