ˈdæmɪdʒ 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). øødamagingly adv. [ME f. OF damage (n.), damagier (v.), f. dam(me) loss f. L damnum loss, damage]