# damnation

/dæmˈneɪʃən/ (US) · /dæmnˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/damnation
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the state of being sent to hell as a punishment for doing something very bad. It is a serious word often used in religious or very formal writing.

For teachers: the state of being condemned to eternal punishment in hell; the act of condemning someone to such a fate. Often used in theological or literary contexts to describe a severe moral judgment.

## Examples

- The story ends with the character's damnation.
- In many religious traditions, the soul's damnation is seen as a direct result of rejecting divine grace.
- The poet explores the theme of damnation, questioning whether the protagonist's fall from grace was a result of his own free will or a predestined fate.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.