Damages
/ˈdæmɪdʒɪz/
Definitions
2 meaningsMonetary compensation awarded to a party for a loss or injury caused by another's wrongful act.
/ˈdæmɪdʒɪz/
Financial compensation for loss or injury
The company was forced to pay damages to the injured workers.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone accidentally breaks your favorite toy. Damages are the money you get to buy a new one or fix the old one. Like, if someone accidentally runs into your car, damages are the money to fix the car.
👶 For kids: Money that is paid to someone because they were hurt or something was broken.
More Examples
The jury assessed substantial damages against the negligent driver.
He claimed damages for emotional distress caused by the incident.
How It's Used
"The court awarded the plaintiff significant damages for the defendant's negligence."
"The insurance policy covers damages to the car in the event of an accident."
To cause physical harm to something or someone, or to impair the value or function of something.
/ˈdæmɪdʒɪz/
To cause harm or injury
The fire severely damaged the historic building.
💡 Simply: If you accidentally scratch your friend's bike, you damaged it. It means to make something worse or break it a little bit.
👶 For kids: To break or hurt something.
More Examples
His reputation was damaged by the scandal.
The storm damaged the crops, resulting in a poor harvest.
How It's Used
"The hurricane damaged the coastal communities."
"The argument damaged their friendship beyond repair."
Idioms & expressions
to do damage
To cause harm or injury
"The strong wind did a lot of damage to the trees."
From Middle English *damage*, from Old French *damage*, from Late Latin *damnum* ('loss, harm').
The word has been used since the 13th century, originating from Old French. Historically, it primarily referred to harm or injury before evolving to include financial compensation.
Memory tip
Think of the "dam" - something broke and now you need money to fix it.