Damaged: meaning, definitions and examples

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damaged

 

[ˈdæmɪdʒd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

physical condition

Showing signs of damage or injury; not functioning correctly or as intended.

Synonyms

broken, hurt, injured, wounded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
damaged

Generally used for objects or items that are no longer in good condition. This term is also used in an abstract sense to describe harm done to non-physical entities like reputation or relationships.

  • The car was damaged in the accident.
  • His reputation was damaged by the scandal.
injured

Refers to physical harm or damage to a person's or animal's body, typically as a result of an accident or violence.

  • The player was injured during the match.
  • Several people were injured in the car crash.
broken

Typically applied to objects that are physically in pieces or no longer function as they should. It can also describe an emotional state.

  • The vase is broken.
  • After the breakup, she felt completely broken.
hurt

Used to describe feelings of pain, either emotional or physical, experienced by people or animals.

  • She was hurt by his harsh words.
  • My leg hurts after the long run.
wounded

Often associated with injuries involving cuts or punctures, especially in a violent context like battles or accidents. Can also describe deep emotional pain.

  • The soldier was wounded in combat.
  • She felt emotionally wounded by his betrayal.

Examples of usage

  • The car was badly damaged in the accident.
  • The roof was damaged by the storm.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotional condition

Hurt, harmed, or impaired emotionally.

Synonyms

hurt, scarred, traumatized, wounded.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
damaged

This word is often used to describe objects, structures, or reputations that have experienced harm or deterioration.

  • The house was severely damaged by the storm.
  • His reputation was damaged by the scandal.
hurt

This word is commonly used in both physical and emotional contexts to describe someone who is in pain or suffering.

  • He hurt his arm lifting heavy boxes.
  • She felt hurt after her friend's comment.
scarred

This word is used when talking about permanent marks left on the skin after an injury or emotional wounds that leave a lasting impact on a person.

  • The accident left him scarred for life.
  • She was emotionally scarred by the tragic event.
traumatized

Use this word when describing someone who has undergone a severe emotional or psychological shock.

  • The soldiers were traumatized by the horrors of war.
  • She was traumatized by the accident and needed therapy.
wounded

Typically used in the context of physical harm, especially in times of conflict or violence. However, it can also describe emotional pain in certain scenarios.

  • The soldier was wounded in battle.
  • She was deeply wounded by his betrayal.

Examples of usage

  • The betrayal left her feeling damaged.
  • The past experiences have left him emotionally damaged.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'damager', meaning to harm or to injure.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'damnum', which means loss or damage.
  • The term entered English around the 15th century, originally relating to legal contexts of compensation for loss.

Psychology

  • Experiencing damage can lead to emotional trauma, influencing how a person acts and feels.
  • Cognitive dissonance may occur when people deal with damaged relationships, as they struggle to reconcile their feelings.
  • The 'broken window theory' in criminology suggests that visible signs of damage can lead to more crime due to perceived neglect.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict damaged characters struggling with their past, showcasing resilience and growth.
  • Popular music frequently explores themes of emotional or physical damage, resonating with listeners’ personal experiences.
  • Artworks featuring damaged subjects can evoke strong emotions and prompt discussions about recovery and healing.

Science

  • In biology, damaged cells can trigger repair mechanisms that are crucial for healing and regeneration.
  • Ecology studies how damaged environments can slowly recover through natural processes and conservation efforts.
  • The concept of 'damaged goods' in materials science refers to items that no longer meet safety or functional standards.

Literature

  • Many novels use damaged settings or characters as metaphors for larger societal issues.
  • Poetry often captures the essence of loss and recovery in the face of damage, providing a mirror to human experience.
  • Classic literature frequently features damaged relationships, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.

Translations

Translations of the word "damaged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 danificado

🇮🇳 क्षतिग्रस्त

🇩🇪 beschädigt

🇮🇩 rusak

🇺🇦 пошкоджений

🇵🇱 uszkodzony

🇯🇵 損傷した

🇫🇷 endommagé

🇪🇸 dañado

🇹🇷 hasarlı

🇰🇷 손상된

🇸🇦 تالف

🇨🇿 poškozený

🇸🇰 poškodený

🇨🇳 损坏的

🇸🇮 poškodovan

🇮🇸 skemmdur

🇰🇿 бүлінген

🇬🇪 დაზიანებული

🇦🇿 zədələnmiş

🇲🇽 dañado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,227, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.