damages
/ˈdæmɪdʒɪz/
VERB
1. Physical harm and destruction
To cause physical injury, breakage, deterioration, or destruction to a person, animal, object, or property, reducing its original condition or integrity.
1.1. Objects, buildings, and property
Used when an action physically harms, breaks, scratches, deforms, or destroys tangible objects, structures, vehicles, or property.
Synonyms
- harms
- injures
- bashes
- batters
- breaks
- crushes
- dents
- defaces
- demolishes
- destroys
- disfigures
- mangles
- mars
- ravages
- razes
- ruins
- shatters
- smashes
- wrecks
Antonyms
- repairs
- fixes
- mends
- restores
- rebuilds
- reconstructs
- reconditions
Examples
- The severe storm damages several houses along the coastline.
- The falling tree damages the parked vehicles.
- Construction work damages the underground water pipes.
Related Words
- breakage
- destruction
- deterioration
- deformation
- wreckage
- fracture
- vandalism
- wear and tear
1.2. People and bodily injuries
Used when someone or something causes physical injury, wounds, bruises, or impairment to another person's or animal's body.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The explosion damages several workers standing near the factory entrance.
- The accident damages his eyesight permanently.
- The collision injures two passengers and leaves several others bruised.
Related Words
- physical injury
- trauma
- bodily harm
- concussion
- fracture
- laceration
- disability
- wound
1.3. Physical deterioration and decay
Used when materials, structures, or objects gradually lose their strength, quality, or original condition through corrosion, erosion, weathering, or repeated exposure.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- strengthens
- restores
- reconditions
- renews
- repairs
Examples
- Constant exposure to moisture damages the wooden structure.
- Saltwater damages metal components through corrosion.
- The harsh weather gradually damages the exterior walls.
Related Words
- weathering
- erosion
- corrosion
- decomposition
- wear and tear
- structural decay
- material degradation
VERB
2. Harming quality, value, or effectiveness
To impair, weaken, or reduce the quality, usefulness, effectiveness, integrity, or value of something through harmful actions or influences.
2.1. Quality and functional performance
Used when something reduces the quality, reliability, strength, or functional effectiveness of an object, system, product, or process.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- improves
- enhances
- strengthens
- betters
- refines
- ameliorates
- perfects
Examples
- Excessive heat damages the sensitive electronic components.
- Poor maintenance damages the overall performance of the machinery.
- Contamination damages the quality of stored food products.
Related Words
- quality
- effectiveness
- reliability
- integrity
- performance
- functionality
- degradation
- impairment
2.2. Reputation and public image
Used when actions, statements, allegations, or scandals harm someone's reputation, credibility, dignity, or public standing.
Synonyms
- discredits
- disgraces
- dishonors
- defames
- maligns
- tarnishes
- besmirches
- sullies
- disparages
- demeans
- belittles
- taints
- abases
- abashes
Antonyms
- honors
- praises
- commends
- enhances
- improves
- beautifies
Examples
- False accusations damage her professional reputation.
- The scandal tarnishes the politician's public image.
- Dishonest behavior discredits the entire organization.
Related Words
- reputation
- credibility
- defamation
- slander
- libel
- scandal
- public image
- dishonor
- integrity
2.3. Environmental pollution and contamination
Used when pollutants, chemicals, or harmful activities degrade natural environments, contaminate resources, or negatively affect ecosystems.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- purifies
- cleanses
- cleans
- restores
- rehabilitates
Examples
- Industrial waste damages the river by contaminating its water.
- Chemical spills pollute the surrounding soil and groundwater.
- Uncontrolled industrial activities damage fragile ecosystems.
Related Words
- pollution
- contamination
- toxic waste
- ecosystem
- biodiversity
- water quality
- air quality
- soil degradation
2.4. Progress, operations, and development
Used when an action or event interferes with normal operations, obstructs progress, weakens a plan, or prevents an activity from achieving its intended results.
Synonyms
- hampers
- hinders
- impedes
- obstructs
- constrains
- curbs
- frustrates
- sabotages
- thwarts
- sets back
- disrupts
- handicaps
- holds back
- slows
- foils
Antonyms
- assists
- facilitates
- advances
- promotes
- enables
- helps
- expedites
Examples
- Unexpected technical problems damage the company's production schedule.
- Poor communication damages the team's ability to complete the project.
- Repeated interruptions hinder the development process.
Related Words
- interference
- obstruction
- setback
- disruption
- hindrance
- delay
- sabotage
- impediment
NOUN
3. Financial compensation for losses
Money awarded or paid as compensation for injury, loss, or harm suffered by another party, particularly in legal disputes and civil actions.
3.1. Legal compensation and financial restitution
Used in legal contexts to describe monetary awards or payments intended to compensate a claimant or plaintiff for losses, injuries, or harm caused by another party.
Synonyms
- compensation
- indemnification
- indemnity
- recompense
- reparation
- reparations
- restitution
- redress
- reimbursement
- repayment
- recoupment
- remuneration
- requital
- solatium
- settlement
- satisfaction
- atonement
- amends
Examples
- The court awarded significant damages to the plaintiff in the lawsuit.
- The company agreed to pay damages for the losses caused by its negligence.
- The victims received financial compensation for the damages they suffered.