Accursed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accursed

[ษ™หˆkษ™rst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

cursed

Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune. Deserving to be cursed or damned. Hateful; detestable.

Synonyms

cursed, damned, detestable, doomed.

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Word Description / Examples
accursed

Used to describe something or someone that brings misfortune or is dislikeable, often in a dramatic or old-fashioned sense.

  • The accursed artifact brought nothing but trouble to the expedition.
  • He considered himself accursed by fate.
cursed

Commonly used to describe something or someone that is afflicted with a curse or misfortune. It can also be used more casually to describe something annoying.

  • The house was believed to be cursed.
  • This cursed car never starts on cold mornings.
doomed

Implies an inevitable and often tragic fate, typically used in serious or dramatic contexts.

  • The ship seemed doomed from the start.
  • He felt doomed to fail no matter how hard he tried.
damned

Has strong negative connotations and is often used to express extreme disapproval or frustration. It can also be used in a religious context to describe someone doomed to hell.

  • He was damned for his sins.
  • This damned printer is always broken.
detestable

Used to describe something or someone that is intensely dislikeable or offensive. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • The detestable behavior of the criminal shocked everyone.
  • The detestable smell made it hard to stay in the room.

Examples of usage

  • He was seen as an accursed figure in the village, bringing only hardship and sorrow.
  • The accursed witch cast a spell on the town, causing chaos and destruction.
  • The accursed treasure brought nothing but tragedy to those who possessed it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare often used the word to convey intense emotions, portraying characters or situations that carried a dark, fateful quality.
  • In Gothic literature, the term is frequently used to describe haunted places or cursed objects that bring despair upon those who encounter them.
  • Famous cursed items in fiction, such as cursed rings or houses, often use the concept of 'accursed' to enhance their ominous appeal.

Folklore

  • Many cultures have stories of cursed individuals or families, emphasizing the idea of generational misfortune, such as the infamous 'Curse of the Pharaohs'.
  • In Western folklore, objects like cursed coins can bring misfortune to those who possess them, reinforcing the belief in unlucky charms.
  • The phrase 'the accursed fate' often appears in fairy tales, where a protagonist faces a terrible consequence due to a curse.

Psychology

  • The belief in curses can lead to psychological phenomena known as 'self-fulfilling prophecies', where individuals experience bad outcomes based on a belief in being cursed.
  • Studies suggest that those who strongly believe in curses may experience heightened anxiety and stress, impacting their mental health.
  • Cursing has been linked to feelings of helplessness, showing how societal views on 'accursed' can affect personal well-being.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'The Curse of the Werewolf' and 'The Curse of the Mummy's Tomb' explore themes of accursed beings, blending horror with adventure.
  • Video games often include cursed artifacts or characters, using the concept to create immersive and challenge-filled environments.
  • The 'Accursed' series in graphic novels features story arcs that delve into the lives of those affected by curses, blending mythology and modern storytelling.

Origin of 'accursed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'accursed' comes from the Old English 'acursian,' meaning 'to curse or condemn'.
  • It has roots in the Latin 'maledictus,' which translates to 'spoken ill of', emphasizing the negative connotations.
  • Initially, the term was commonly used in religious contexts to denote divine punishment.

The word 'accursed' originated from the Old French word 'acurs', which was derived from the Latin 'accursฤtus', meaning 'cursed'. The term has been used in literature and folklore to describe individuals or objects that are believed to be cursed or bring about misfortune. Throughout history, the concept of being accursed has been associated with superstitions and beliefs in supernatural powers.


See also: curse, cursed, curser, cursing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,135, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.