OpenSynonym

damage

/ˈdæmɪdʒ/

NOUN

1. Physical injury or harm

Physical harm or injury that reduces the condition, integrity, functionality, or appearance of a person, animal, object, or property.

1.1. Physical objects and property

Used to describe physical deterioration, breakage, or defects affecting buildings, vehicles, equipment, materials, and other tangible objects.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The storm's fury left behind significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
  • Despite the accident, the car showed minimal visible damage.
  • The insurance adjuster assessed the damage caused by the fire.

Related Words

1.2. Physical injury and bodily harm

Used to describe injuries, wounds, or physical impairment affecting the body, including harm caused by accidents, violence, or medical conditions.

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Examples

  • The accident caused serious damage to his spinal cord.
  • Doctors examined the extent of the damage to the patient's internal organs.
  • The injury resulted in permanent damage to his hearing.

Related Words

NOUN

2. Harmful effects on quality, reputation, or well-being

An adverse effect that diminishes the quality, value, effectiveness, reputation, or well-being of someone or something.

2.1. Reputation and personal standing

Used to describe harm to someone's reputation, credibility, dignity, or public image, often resulting from criticism, misconduct, or damaging information.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The scandal caused considerable damage to the company's reputation.
  • False accusations can inflict lasting damage on someone's professional standing.

Related Words

2.2. Emotional and psychological well-being

Used to describe negative effects on someone's emotional state, mental health, confidence, or personal well-being.

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Examples

  • Years of neglect caused lasting damage to the child's emotional well-being.
  • The betrayal inflicted considerable damage on their relationship.

Related Words

  • emotional trauma
  • psychological distress
  • anxiety
  • mental health
  • self-esteem
  • well-being
  • emotional pain

2.3. Quality, effectiveness, and functional integrity

Used when something loses its original quality, usefulness, effectiveness, or value because of harmful influences, deterioration, or interference.

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Examples

  • Exposure to excessive heat caused damage to the sensitive electronic components.
  • Poor management can result in serious damage to an organization's operational efficiency.

Related Words

2.4. Environmental and ecological harm

Used to describe harmful changes to natural environments, ecosystems, or living organisms caused by pollution, human activities, or natural events.

Synonyms

  • harm
  • detriment
  • destruction
  • devastation
  • contamination
  • pollution
  • degradation
  • blight
  • corruption

Antonyms

Examples

  • Industrial pollution caused extensive damage to the river ecosystem.
  • The authorities introduced new regulations to prevent further environmental damage.

Related Words

  • ecosystem
  • habitat
  • biodiversity
  • deforestation
  • erosion
  • pollutant
  • environmental degradation
  • ecological balance

NOUN

3. Financial loss or monetary cost

A financial loss, expense, or monetary liability resulting from injury, destruction, wrongdoing, or the impairment of property or other interests.

3.1. Financial compensation and legal claims

Used in legal and insurance contexts to describe monetary compensation awarded or claimed for losses, injuries, or harm caused by another party.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The court awarded damages to the victims of the accident.
  • The company agreed to pay compensation for the damage caused by its negligence.
  • The insurance policy covers property damage and related financial losses.

Related Words

3.2. Cost and financial expense

Used informally to refer to the amount of money required to pay for something, particularly the price or expense associated with a purchase or service.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The repairs will cost quite a bit of damage to the owner's wallet.
  • The total damage came to several hundred dollars after dinner and drinks.

Related Words

VERB

4. Causing harm or impairing something

To cause physical injury, destruction, deterioration, or an adverse effect that reduces the quality, value, effectiveness, or condition of someone or something.

4.1. Physical destruction and property damage

Used when an action or event physically breaks, damages, destroys, or deteriorates buildings, objects, equipment, or other tangible property.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The storm damaged several houses along the coastline.
  • The workers accidentally damaged the machinery during installation.
  • The falling tree wrecked the parked car.

Related Words

4.2. Injuring people or causing bodily harm

Used when someone or something causes physical injury, wounds, or impairment to another person's or animal's body.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The explosion damaged several workers who were standing nearby.
  • The accident damaged his eyesight permanently.
  • The collision injured two passengers and damaged the vehicle.

Related Words

  • traumatize
  • assault
  • bruise
  • fracture
  • wound
  • concussion
  • physical injury
  • bodily harm

4.3. Damaging reputation and personal standing

Used when an action, statement, or event harms someone's reputation, credibility, dignity, or public image.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The false allegations damaged her professional reputation.
  • The scandal tarnished the politician's public image.
  • His dishonest behavior discredited the entire organization.

Related Words

4.4. Weakening quality and effectiveness

Used when something reduces the quality, strength, usefulness, effectiveness, or functional integrity of an object, system, process, or relationship.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • Excessive moisture can damage the quality of stored grain.
  • The constant interruptions damaged the team's ability to concentrate.
  • Poor communication can undermine trust between colleagues.

Related Words

4.5. Polluting and contaminating the environment

Used when substances or activities introduce harmful pollutants or contaminants that degrade the natural environment, water, soil, or air.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • purify
  • cleanse
  • restore
  • recondition

Examples

  • Industrial waste can damage the river by contaminating its water.
  • Chemical spills polluted the surrounding soil and groundwater.

Related Words

  • pollution
  • contamination
  • toxic waste
  • environment
  • ecosystem
  • water quality
  • air quality
  • soil degradation

VERB

5. Undergoing physical or functional deterioration

To become physically impaired, deteriorated, or less effective as a result of harmful conditions, wear, or external influences.

5.1. Physical deterioration and decay

Used when an object, structure, or material gradually loses its original condition, strength, or integrity through exposure, corrosion, or repeated use.

Synonyms

  • deteriorate
  • decay
  • erode
  • corrode
  • wear away
  • rot
  • disintegrate
  • weaken
  • crumble

Antonyms

Examples

  • The wooden structure damaged over time because of constant exposure to moisture.
  • The metal components gradually corroded in the salty coastal air.

Related Words

5.2. Loss of health or physical functioning

Used when a person's or animal's body or physical condition becomes impaired or weakened due to illness, injury, or other harmful influences.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • His eyesight continued to deteriorate as the condition progressed.
  • The patient's health deteriorated after the complications developed.

Related Words