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damn

v. · adj. · adv. · n.
US //ˈdæm// UK //dˈæm// damn
  1. 1 to criticize strongly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to say very clearly that something is bad, wrong, or a failure.

    to condemn or criticize something or someone severely as being unfit, harmful, or a failure.

    Example

    The new movie was damned by critics for its boring story.

    Example

    The report effectively damned the project, citing a complete lack of oversight and several major safety violations.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice: 'to be damned by...'
  2. 2 to curse (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Vulgar

    to use the word 'damn' to show you are angry at someone or something.

    to invoke a curse upon someone or something; used as an expression of intense frustration or anger.

    Example

    He damned the broken car as he stood in the rain.

    Example

    Frustrated by the repeated delays, she damned the entire bureaucracy for its inefficiency.

    Usage

    Usually used as an exclamation or a transitive verb.
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  1. 3 annoying or emphasized (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Vulgar Informal

    used to show you are annoyed or to make a point stronger.

    used as an intensifier to express annoyance, frustration, or emphasis.

    Example

    I can't find my damn keys anywhere.

    Example

    He spent the whole afternoon trying to fix that damn computer before finally giving up in frustration.

    Usage

    Always used before a noun.
  2. 4 very (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Vulgar Informal

    used to mean 'very' when you want to sound strong or informal.

    used as an intensifying adverb meaning 'extremely' or 'very'.

    Example

    That was a damn good meal.

    Example

    The team played a damn fine game, despite the challenging weather conditions and the loss of their captain.

    Usage

    Placed before an adjective.
  3. 5 a tiny amount of care (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Vulgar Informal

    used in negative sentences to say you do not care at all about something.

    the smallest possible amount of concern or consideration; typically used in negative constructions.

    Example

    I don't give a damn what they think of my clothes.

    Example

    He made it quite clear that he didn't give a damn about the social consequences of his decision.

    Usage

    Almost always used with 'give' or 'worth'.
Origin

From Middle English dampnen, from Old French damner, from Latin damnāre (“to condemn, inflict loss upon”), from damnum (“loss”).

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