Damage Meaning
Damage Definition & Usage
Physical harm or injury caused to something, typically resulting in a loss of value, function, or integrity.
Examples
- "The damage to the car was extensive after the accident."
- "Water damage to the house’s foundation was estimated to cost thousands of dollars."
- "The storm caused widespread damage across the region, knocking out power lines."
- "The fire left permanent damage to the structure, making it unsafe to enter."
- "She was upset by the damage to her favorite painting after it fell from the wall."
A loss or detriment caused to something intangible, such as finances, reputation, or relationships.
Examples
- "The company suffered significant damage to its reputation after the scandal."
- "The emotional damage caused by the breakup took a long time to heal."
- "His careless remarks caused damage to his professional relationship with the client."
- "The damage to the country’s economy after the market crash was immeasurable."
- "The damage to her self-esteem was clear after years of criticism."
To cause harm, destruction, or injury to something.
Examples
- "The explosion damaged several buildings in the area."
- "The heavy rains damaged the crops, leaving them unharvestable."
- "The constant criticism slowly damaged his confidence."
- "The child accidentally damaged the vase while playing."
- "The hacker attempted to damage the company’s database with a virus."
Cultural Context
The term 'damage' has evolved over centuries, originally meaning a loss or injury in legal contexts. Over time, it broadened to encompass both tangible and intangible forms of harm. Today, it is used in a wide variety of settings, from casual conversations to legal disputes. The impact of 'damage' can be measured both in physical terms (such as property destruction) and in emotional or reputational consequences (such as harm to a person's name).
The Aftermath of the Storm
Story
The Aftermath of the Storm
The storm had passed, but the damage it left behind was far from over. As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the ruined town, Sarah surveyed the destruction. Her house, once a welcoming retreat, had lost its roof and much of its interior. She had been lucky, though — unlike some of her neighbors, who were left homeless. The damage to the community was beyond anything she had ever imagined. Yet, amid the wreckage, Sarah could still see hope. The local team was already organizing a cleanup effort, determined to repair the roads, clear away the debris, and restore the sense of normalcy. But as she stood there, watching the workers, Sarah couldn't help but think about the emotional damage. For weeks, her mind had been racing, thinking of everything she had lost — not just property, but memories that could never be replaced. Her friends and family, though, were there to support her, helping to ease the emotional wounds. The physical damage could be repaired, but the emotional healing would take longer. Sarah knew this would be a long journey, but she had the strength to face it. She realized that some things, like love and solidarity, could never be damaged beyond repair.
Related Words
