Damned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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damned

[dæmd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

condemned by God to suffer eternal punishment in hell

Synonyms

accursed, cursed, doomed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
damned

Typically used to express strong criticism or anger. It can also mean 'certainly' in a very emphatic way. Usually has a negative connotation.

  • He was so angry he called them all 'damned fools
  • ' This is a damned good movie
cursed

Used to describe something that brings bad luck or has been condemned. It can also be used to show deep displeasure.

  • He found the cursed book hidden in the attic
  • This cursed weather is ruining my plans
doomed

Often used to describe a sense of unavoidable bad fate or disastrous end. It implies inevitability and often has a tragic tone.

  • The mission seemed doomed from the start
  • She felt her love was doomed to fail
accursed

Often used in a literary or dramatic sense to imply something that is cursed or under a spell. Formal and old-fashioned.

  • The accursed treasure brought misfortune to all who possessed it
  • She felt she was living an accursed life

Examples of usage

  • He believed that he was damned to Hell for his sins.
  • The witch was accused of being a damned creature.
  • The cursed land was said to be damned by evil spirits.
Context #2 | Adjective

informal

used for emphasis, especially to express anger or frustration

Synonyms

bloody, damn, freaking.

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Word Description / Examples
damned

This is a repetition; see the entry for 'damned' above.

  • He's a damned fool.
  • I can't find the damned keys.
bloody

Commonly used in British English to emphasize a point, often indicating annoyance, surprise, or frustration. It can be considered slightly rude.

  • It's bloody cold outside.
  • That bloody printer isn't working again.
freaking

A milder, more socially acceptable alternative to other strong words, used for emphasis in informal contexts. It usually replaces stronger words to avoid offending others.

  • I'm so freaking tired.
  • This is freaking amazing.
damn

Frequently used in North American English to express anger, frustration, or emphasis. It can be considered mildly inappropriate in certain situations.

  • Damn, I forgot my wallet.
  • That's a damn good idea.

Examples of usage

  • I can't find my damned keys anywhere.
  • This damned computer keeps crashing on me.
Context #3 | Adverb

informal

used for emphasis, especially to express annoyance or frustration

Synonyms

extremely, incredibly, very.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
damned

Used to emphasize something in a negative or frustrated manner. This word often carries negative connotations or strong emotions.

  • This damned car won't start!
  • He's a damned fool for leaving her.
extremely

Used to intensify an adjective or adverb to express a high degree. It is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She was extremely happy with her test results.
  • The weather is extremely hot today.
incredibly

Used to emphasize something in a way that suggests it is surprising or hard to believe. It is often used in a positive sense, but can be neutral too.

  • The movie was incredibly entertaining.
  • It’s incredibly difficult to solve this puzzle.
very

A general intensifier that raises the degree of an adjective or adverb. Suitable for use in a wide range of contexts, both formal and informal.

  • She is very talented.
  • It was very cold last night.

Examples of usage

  • He's a damned good player.
  • I'm damned if I know what to do next.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Dante's 'Inferno,' the damned souls face different levels of punishment based on their sins, establishing a morally structured afterlife.
  • Shakespeare used variations of the word in plays like 'Macbeth,' emphasizing themes of guilt and moral consequences.
  • In modern literature, the term often reflects societal exclusions and personal struggles, highlighting characters who feel ostracized.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'damned' can relate to guilt and shame, influencing mental health and self-perception.
  • Cognitive distortions might amplify feelings of being damned, leading to negative thinking about oneself.
  • Therapeutic approaches often focus on reframing such negative beliefs to enhance personal agency and self-worth.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' highlights the feeling of being stuck in a difficult situation with no good options.
  • In music, 'damned' appears in songs that express rebellion, struggles, or intense emotions, becoming a way to voice common frustrations.
  • TV shows often depict characters facing 'damned' situations, creating relatable moments that resonate with viewers dealing with life’s challenges.

History

  • Historically, communities would label individuals as 'damned' for not adhering to social or religious norms, impacting their standing.
  • The concept of the damned has fueled many debates in theology regarding morality, justice, and redemption throughout the ages.
  • In medieval times, the idea of the damned influenced art and architecture, evident in the design of cathedrals with hell-themed imagery.

Origin of 'damned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'damned' comes from the Latin 'damnare,' meaning to condemn or punish.
  • Its usage dates back to the 14th century in English literature and has religious implications dealing with sin and punishment.
  • Over time, 'damned' has evolved to describe also a strong feeling of frustration or anger.

The word 'damned' originated from Middle English 'damnen', from Old French 'damner', from Latin 'damnare' meaning 'to condemn'. It has been used in English literature and language for centuries, often in a religious context to refer to eternal punishment. Over time, the word has also gained informal usage for emphasis or frustration.


See also: damning.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,629 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.