curse

Everyday

1. A curse is a magic spell or wish that something bad will happen to someone, as in fairy tales. tree →
2. A curse is a rude or swear word that someone says when angry. tree →
3. (verb) To curse is to swear or use bad words, or to say angry things. tree →
4. (verb) To curse someone is to put a magic spell on them. tree →
5. A curse can be something that causes lots of trouble, like a long-lasting problem. tree →

In the lessons

In fairy tales and myths witches put curses on princes and castles; in everyday life «cursing» means swearing, which is not allowed at school. It tells the reader a character is very angry or under bad magic. Phrases: put a curse on, under a curse, curse under your breath, the curse of.

Examples

• The wicked witch put a curse on the princess. tree →
• The castle was under a curse for a hundred years. tree →
• He cursed when he stubbed his toe. tree →
• Please don't curse in the classroom. tree →
• She cursed under her breath when the bus drove away. tree →
• The rain was the curse of our camping trip. tree →
• The curse was broken when the frog was kissed. tree →
• ‘These flowers are under a curse. tree →

Note

Countable: a curse, curses. Past: cursed (said «curst»; the old adjective «cursed» can be said CUR-sed). «Cursing» and «swearing» mean the same in everyday talk. Myth: curses in stories are not real magic.

In Jewish tradition

A curse is a solemn declaration of harm that God or people bring on those who break the law or the covenant, the opposite of a blessing. In the Writings it can also mean to speak against something with bitter words, as Job cursed the day of his birth.

Interpretation. Moses sets blessing and curse before Israel at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. The tradition reads curses as warnings that follow disobedience, and forbids cursing others unfairly, such as the deaf. Job's words are read as the cry of a man in pain.

Examples

• Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour's landmark. (Torah DEU.27.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law. (Torah DEU.27.23, JPS 1917) tree →
• Cursed shall be thy basket and thy kneading-trough. (Torah DEU.28.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• After this opened Job his mouth, and cursed his day. (Writings JOB.3.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou wilt give them hardness of heart, Thy curse unto them. (Writings LAM.3.65, JPS 1917) tree →
• I have seen the foolish taking root; but suddenly I beheld his habitation cursed. (Writings JOB.5.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: a curse, curses. Past: cursed (said «curst»; the old adjective «cursed» can be said CUR-sed). «Cursing» and «swearing» mean the same in everyday talk. Myth: curses in stories are not real magic.