damage
noun [ U ]
uk/ˈdæmɪdʒ/ usharm that is done to someone or something that makes them less successful:
damage to sth/sb The firm was lucky to get away with little damage to its reputation.
do/cause damage (to sth/sb) The pensions scandal did a lot of damage to the Government's credibility.
inflict damage on sth/sb Public relations disasters could inflict damage on the brand.
The solicitors say their clients will hold the bank liable for any loss and damage suffered as a result of the arrangements.
severe/irreparable/serious damage
economic/financial damage
physical harm that is done to something:
They asked their insurers to assess the damage so that they could make a claim.
do/cause damage (to sth) The government estimates the damage done by the fires at millions of pounds.
Roofs are most likely to suffer damage during a hurricane.
storm/wind/water damage
severe/irreparable/serious damage
environmental/structural damage
damages [ plural ]
LAW
money that a person or organization is ordered by a court of law to pay to another person or organization because they are responsible for harming them in some way:
They want the rival company to withdraw the product and pay damages.
£140,000/$12 million, etc. in damages Juries have been handing out millions of dollars in damages for minor injuries.
A party failing to fulfil their part of the contract will presumably be liable for damages.
award damages (to sb) In addition to the damages awarded to Robertson, his wife was awarded $500,000.
claim/seek/sue for damages (for sth) He was seeking damages for breach of contract,.
be awarded/receive/recover damages (for sth) If the odds of survival fell because of a missed diagnosis, victims would be able to try to recover damages.
the damage is done
harm has been caused and it is too late to change the situation:
Even though he was acquitted, the damage was done.
See also
actual damages
additional damages
apparent damage
civil damages
compensatory damages
consequential damages
criminal damage
exemplary damages
incidental damages
liquidated damages
money damages
nominal damages
non-economic damages
property damage
punitive damages
treble damages
unspecified damages
damage
verb [ T ]
uk/ˈdæmɪdʒ/ usto harm someone or something in a way that makes them less successful:
The Chancellor is being urged not to take steps that could damage Britain's competitiveness.
They feared that public knowledge of the deal might damage them.
seriously/severely/irreparably damage sb/sth He is suing his colleague on the grounds that her accusations severely damaged his reputation.
to physically harm something:
People who are under-insured won't be able to rebuild if their homes are damaged by a hurricane.
seriously/severely/irreparably damage sth The fire completely destroyed five buildings and severely damaged several more.