damage

Pluraldamages (some meanings)

Formsdamages, damaging, damaged

1. 1
   the harm causednoununcountable

   Harm or injury to something, or how badly it has been harmed.

   Like a toy that breaks so it no longer works the way it should.

   The storm caused a lot of damage to the roof.

   We checked the car for damage after the crash.

   UsageSay damage to something and a lot of damage (not incorrect: a damage).

   Similarharm, destruction, devastation

   Note
2. 2
   to harmverbtransitive

   To harm something so it works less well or loses value.

   Like getting mud on a clean shirt so it no longer looks right.

   Too much sun can damage your skin.

   The fall damaged her phone screen.

   Similarharm, hurt, injure, destroy, devastate

   Oppositerepair, restore, mend

3. 3
   amount owednounslanguncountable

   The cost or price you have to pay for something.

   What's the damage for two tickets?

   Dinner was great, but the damage was sixty dollars each.

   UsagePeople ask What's the damage? to mean "How much do I pay?" Use it only in casual talk.

   Similarbill, cost, price, tab

   Note
4. 4
   verbintransitive

   To become harmed or broken, often very easily.

   Old books damage easily in a damp room.

   This soft leather damages easily, so keep it away from rain.

   UsageUsually in damage easily. Otherwise say was damaged.

5. 5
   nounplural

   Money given to someone in a court case to make up for a loss they suffered.

   The driver who hit her car was ordered to pay damages.

   The singer sued the magazine for damages after it printed lies about her.

   Similarcompensation

   Note

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