English▸ noun
1 physical harm caused to something in such a way as to impair its value, usefulness, or normal function:
bombing caused extensive damage to the town.
▪ unwelcome and detrimental effects:
the damage to his reputation was considerable.
2 (damages) a sum of money claimed or awarded in compensation for a loss or an injury:
she was awarded $284,000 in damages.
▸ verb [with object] inflict physical harm on (something) so as to impair its value, usefulness, or normal function:
the car was badly damaged in the accident
(as adjective damaged) damaged ligaments.
▪ have a detrimental effect on:
the scandal could seriously damage his career.
– ORIGIN Middle English : from Old French, from dam, damne ‘loss or damage’, from Latin damnum ‘loss or hurt’; compare with damn.