damage — ODE · Shobdo

damage /ˈdamɪdʒ

▸ noun

1 [mass noun] physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something:

bombing caused extensive damage to the town.

▪ 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

(damaged as adjective) damaged ligaments.

▪ have a detrimental effect on:

the scandal could seriously damage his career.

– PHRASES

the damage is done used to indicate that it is too late to prevent the occurrence of something unfortunate or undesirable:

there didn't seem any point in arguing now—the damage was done.

what's the damage? informal
used to ask the cost of something:

We got all the wood loaded up and I said: What's the damage? How much do I owe you?.

– ORIGIN Middle English: from Old French, from dam, damne ‘loss or damage’, from Latin damnum ‘loss or hurt’; compare with damn.