Damaging: meaning, definitions and examples
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damaging
[ˈdæmɪdʒɪŋ ]
Definitions
in a negative way
Causing harm or injury; detrimental.
Synonyms
destructive, harmful, unfavorable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| damaging |
Used when something causes physical harm or negatively affects a reputation, relationship, or situation.
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| harmful |
Appropriate when referring to something that has the potential to cause harm or negative health effects.
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| destructive |
Implied when something causes severe and often irreparable damage or destruction.
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| unfavorable |
Best used to describe situations, conditions, or opinions that are not beneficial or supportive, often with a less severe connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The hurricane caused damaging winds and flooding.
- The scandal had a damaging effect on his reputation.
- Our lack of communication could be damaging to our relationship.
to cause harm or injury
Inflicting harm or injury on someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| damaging |
Appropriate for describing something that causes physical or emotional harm, often implying long-term negative effects. Can be used for both tangible and intangible damage.
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| harm |
General use for any kind of damage, whether physical, emotional, or psychological. Suitable for broader and more general situations.
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| injure |
Specific to physical harm or wound; commonly used in medical, sports, or accident-related contexts. Usually implies a temporary condition.
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| impair |
Often used in a medical or technical context to indicate a weakening or reduction in function. Frequently used for longer-term conditions.
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Examples of usage
- The fire damaged the building.
- He was accused of damaging public property.
- Please be careful not to damage the fragile equipment.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Old French 'damager,' which means to harm or injure.
- It can be traced back to the Latin 'damnum', meaning loss or damage.
- The concept has been used in legal terms for centuries to refer to loss or harm caused by someone’s actions.
Psychology
- Actions that are labeled as damaging can affect a person's mental health, leading to feelings of sadness or anxiety.
- Negative talk, such as self-criticism, is considered damaging and can lower self-esteem over time.
- Experiencing damaging situations, like bullying, can affect brain development in young individuals.
Environmental Impact
- Pollution is often considered damaging to ecosystems, affecting both wildlife and plants.
- Deforestation leads to damaging consequences for climate change, as it increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
- Overfishing is another example of damaging human activity, disrupting marine biodiversity.
Pop Culture
- Many songs and movies explore themes of damaging relationships, highlighting emotional turmoil and recovery.
- Video games often have plots involving damaging decisions that lead to the downfall of heroes or cities.
- Reality television often showcases damaging behaviors for entertainment, raising concerns about societal impacts.
Science
- In biology, damaging mutations can lead to cell death or diseases, affecting living organisms.
- Chemicals that are damaging to health can disrupt bodily functions and lead to chronic illnesses.
- Changes in climate are damaging to many species, pushing them towards extinction due to habitat loss.
Translations
Translations of the word "damaging" in other languages:
🇵🇹 prejudicial
🇮🇳 हानिकारक (haanikaarak)
🇩🇪 schädlich
🇮🇩 merugikan
🇺🇦 шкідливий
🇵🇱 szkodliwy
🇯🇵 有害な (yūgaina)
🇫🇷 nocif
🇪🇸 dañino
🇹🇷 zararlı
🇰🇷 해로운 (haero-un)
🇸🇦 ضار (daar)
🇨🇿 škodlivý
🇸🇰 škodlivý
🇨🇳 有害的 (yǒuhài de)
🇸🇮 škodljiv
🇮🇸 skaðlegur
🇰🇿 зиянды
🇬🇪 ზიანის მომტანი (zianis momtani)
🇦🇿 zərərli
🇲🇽 dañino