damage
UK: ˈdæmɪdʒ | US: ˈdæmɪdʒ
n. physical harm caused to something, reducing its value or usefulness
vt. to cause harm or injury to something
The word "damage" traces back to the Latin damnum, meaning "loss" or "harm." It entered Old French as damage, retaining the sense of financial or physical loss. The suffix -age was added to form a noun denoting the result of an action (e.g., "breakage," "wastage"). Over time, "damage" expanded beyond monetary loss to encompass general harm or injury to objects, reputations, or systems. The morpheme dam- preserves the core idea of detriment, while -age frames it as a measurable outcome.
The storm caused severe damage to the coastal town.
Smoking can damage your lungs over time.
The lawsuit sought compensation for reputational damage.
Be careful not to damage the fragile artwork.
The insurance policy covers fire damage to the property.