ENGLISH
REFERENCE

curse

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈkɝs// UK //kˈɜːs// curse Archaic Slang Vulgar

n. a rude or offensive word that you use when you are angry or surprised. It can also mean a magic spell that is meant to cause trouble or bad luck for someone.

n. a profane or obscene word used to express strong emotion; alternatively, a solemn utterance intended to invoke supernatural power to inflict harm or misfortune.


SIMPLE

He let out a loud curse when he dropped the heavy box.

CONTEXTUAL

The old legend says that a witch placed a curse on the family that would last for generations.

COMPLEX

While some view the sudden influx of tourism as a blessing for the local economy, others consider it a curse that has eroded the town's traditional character.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English curse, kors, cors, curs, from Old English cors, curs (“curse”), of unknown origin.

Etymology 2

From Middle English cursen, corsen, coursen, from Old English corsian, cursian (“to curse”), from the noun (see above).

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'utter' or 'mutter' for speech, and 'cast' or 'lift' for magic.

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