damage

 
Pronunciation: /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
  • 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, humorous used to ask the cost of something.

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French, from dam, damne 'loss or damage', from Latin damnum 'loss or hurt'; compare with damn