damn

Everyday

1. (rude, mild swearing) Said when you are angry, annoyed or disappointed: «Damn! I missed the bus.» tree →
2. (rude) Used to make a word stronger: «a damn good idea», «damn it». tree →
3. (rude) «Not give a damn»: not care at all. tree →
4. (religion) To say someone will be punished for ever after death. tree →
5. (formal) To criticise strongly («the report damned the plan»); adjective «damning» = showing guilt clearly. tree →

In the lessons

Mild swearing heard in films, books and from grown-ups when cross; pupils should recognise it but not use it at school. In stories it shows anger or frustration. In formal news, «damning evidence» strongly shows someone did wrong. Phrases: «damn it», «damn!», «damn right», «not give a damn», «damning evidence».

Examples

• (rude) «Damn! I've dropped my keys,» said Dad. tree →
• (rude) «That was a damn good match!» tree →
• (rude) «Damn it, the car won't start.» tree →
• (rude) «He doesn't give a damn about the rules.» tree →
• The report damned the company's safety record. tree →
• The video was damning evidence against the thief. tree →

Note

Mild swearing — not for school, homework or polite talk; softer replacements: «darn», «dang» (US), «drat» (UK). Silent «n»: pronounced «dam». Homophone: «dam» (a wall holding back water) — very different meaning! Past: damned.