Damage
/ˈdæm.ɪdʒ/noun
Harm or injury that reduces value or usefulness.
Did you know?The term 'damage' originally referred to a penalty imposed for wrongdoing, highlighting the intersection of harm and justice in medieval society.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
damnum
“Loss, harm, or injury.”
Old French
Old French
damage
“Harm or injury; a penalty for wrongdoing.”
Middle English
Middle English
damaige
“Compensation for harm; loss or injury.”
Modern English
English
damage
“Physical harm that impairs value or usefulness.”