ENGLISH
REFERENCE

damned

adj. · adv. · n.
US //ˈdæmd// UK //dˈæmd// damned
  1. 1 annoying or emphasized (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Vulgar

    used to show you are very annoyed or to emphasize what you are saying.

    used as an attributive intensifier to express frustration, contempt, or strong emphasis.

    Example

    I can't get this damned computer to start properly.

    Example

    He spent the entire afternoon trying to fix that damned leak in the roof, only to find the pipe was completely rusted through.

    Usage

    Usually placed immediately before the noun it modifies.
  2. 2 very (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Vulgar

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

    functioning as an intensifier meaning 'extremely' or 'very'.

    Example

    It is damned hard to find a good job these days.

    Example

    The climb was damned difficult, but the view from the summit made every painful step worth the effort.

    Usage

    Modifies adjectives or other adverbs.
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  1. 3 condemned to hell (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary Religion

    sent to hell or punished by God forever.

    condemned by God to suffer eternal punishment in hell.

    Example

    The old stories tell of damned souls wandering the dark forest.

    Example

    The poet depicted the damned spirits as being trapped in a frozen lake, forever separated from the light of heaven.
  2. 4 people in hell (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary Religion

    people who are believed to be punished in hell forever.

    those who are condemned to eternal punishment.

    Example

    The painting showed the angels above and the damned below.

    Example

    In many traditional depictions of the Last Judgment, the damned are shown being led away by shadows while the righteous ascend.

    Usage

    Usually functions as a collective noun with 'the'.
    • the lost
    • the saved
Idioms2 entries

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