damn

1 of 3

verb

damned; damning ˈda-miŋ How to pronounce damn (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to condemn to a punishment or fate
especially : to condemn to hell
2
a
: to condemn vigorously and often irascibly for some real or fancied fault or defect
damned the storm for their delay
b
: to condemn as a failure by public criticism
3
: to bring ruin on
4
: to swear at : curse
often used to express annoyance, disgust, or surprise
damn him, he should have been careful
I'll be damned

damn

2 of 3

noun

1
: the utterance of the word damn as a curse
2
: a minimum amount or degree (as of care or consideration) : the least bit
don't give a damn

damn

3 of 3

adjective or adverb

: damned
a damn nuisance
ran damn fast
Phrases
damn well
: beyond doubt or question : certainly
knew damn well what would happen

Examples of damn in a Sentence

Verb But it is functional talk for the purpose of conveying information, not, as often in the case of Waugh, for entertaining his audience, humdrum veracity be damned. Robert Murray Davis, Commonweal, 5 June 2009
Congress demanded an immediate investigation and over the next year held dramatic hearings, launched a variety of inquests, and produced several pounds of reports that condemned FEMA. One report damned the agency as a dumping ground for political appointees … Christopher Cooper & Robert Block, Disaster, 2006
No American war has been more roundly damned than the Mexican. Within months after its outbreak Whigs and abolitionists accused Polk of plotting the ambush on the Rio Grande and misrepresenting the facts in order to stampede the nation into a war of conquest … Walter A. McDougall, Promised Land, Crusader State, 1997
He damned them for their stupidity. damned the car for once again breaking down Noun I don't want to hear about your problems—I just don't give a damn. Adjective or adverb told her she'd never get married because she was too damn picky that dilapidated house is a damn eyesore and should be torn down
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
But a groundswell of protest art was answering the call with a new kind of ardent feeling that damned the false piety and hypocrisy of homophobic Christian doctrine. Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 In theory, the Cavs could damn the torpedoes for a span of two seasons before the real, lasting damage from the second apron hits in the form of a frozen draft pick that is moved to the end of the 2033 first round. John Hollinger, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Noun
And as far as luxurious treats go, well, the afternoon high tea there is not to be missed, and the theme changing monthly offers the strongest argument yet to treat oneself ad infinitum without giving a tinker’s damn about the current economy. Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2025 Since the death of Tom Petty meant an end to his primary job in 2017, Tench has still been visible in the background as a member of the house band in practically any tribute show that’s worth a damn. Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
Adjective or adverb
Soon, there will be crying; there will be nursing and burping and spitting up and fussing and playing and giggles and bath time and trying to get this damn baby to sleep through the night. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 May 2025 Because your ear knows better than a damn focus group. Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for damn

Word History

Etymology

Verb, Noun, and Adjective or adverb

Middle English dampnen, from Anglo-French dampner, from Latin damnare, from damnum damage, loss, fine

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective Or Adverb

circa 1708, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of damn was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Damn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damn. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

damn

1 of 2 verb
1
: to condemn to a punishment or fate
especially : to condemn to hell
2
: to condemn as bad or as a failure
3
: to swear at : curse

damn

2 of 2 noun
1
: the saying of the word damn as a curse
2
: the least bit
not worth a damn
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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