Cursed
ˈkɜːrst
Definitions
3 meaningsTo invoke harm or evil on someone or something; to condemn.
ˈkɜːrsd
To invoke evil or harm upon someone or something.
He cursed the traffic that made him late.
💡 Simply: When you 'curse' someone, you're wishing bad luck or harm on them. It's like saying, 'I hope you stub your toe!' but more intense.
👶 For kids: To wish something bad would happen to someone.
More Examples
The villagers believed the land was cursed by a vengeful spirit.
She cursed under her breath when she dropped her phone.
How It's Used
"The witch cursed the prince, turning him into a frog."
"The priest warned against cursing others, as it could invite divine displeasure."
Affected by a curse; under a spell; doomed to misfortune.
ˈkɜːrst
Subject to a curse; under a spell.
The cursed treasure brought nothing but trouble.
💡 Simply: If something is 'cursed,' it means it's supposed to bring bad luck. Like a lucky charm that only causes problems.
👶 For kids: Something that has bad luck on it.
More Examples
The ancient tomb was believed to be cursed.
He felt cursed after losing his job.
How It's Used
"The cursed amulet brought misfortune to its wearer."
"He felt cursed by his bad luck."
Used to express annoyance or anger, often as an intensifier.
ˈkɜːrst
Used to express anger or annoyance.
That cursed alarm clock always wakes me up too early.
💡 Simply: You can also use 'cursed' when you're annoyed. Like when your game keeps glitching out, you could say, 'This cursed game!'
👶 For kids: When you're really mad at something.
More Examples
The cursed weather ruined our picnic.
I hate this cursed bug!
How It's Used
"The cursed computer crashed again!"
Idioms & expressions
curse like a sailor
To use a lot of swear words.
"He curses like a sailor when he's frustrated."
the curse of knowledge
When someone with expertise struggles to communicate effectively because they assume others share their knowledge.
"The professor suffered from the curse of knowledge, making his lectures difficult to follow for the students."
From Old English *corsian*, related to *cors*, meaning 'curse'. It has roots in Proto-Germanic and ultimately Proto-Indo-European, suggesting a deep-seated human concept.
The word 'curse' and its forms have appeared in various historical texts, from ancient religious writings to medieval literature, reflecting its enduring importance in human societies.
Memory tip
Imagine a witch chanting 'CURSE!' while pointing a crooked finger – evil spells.
Word Origin
"To speak evil, to condemn, to invoke a negative power."