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curse

/kɜːrs/
noun, verb★Intermediate— a wish of harm or evil
informal

a wish of harm or evil invoked upon someone or something

The witch cast a curse on the village.

She invoked a spell to bring misfortune to the village.

He believed the curse was the reason for his bad luck.

He thought the evil wish was causing his misfortune.

💡

Often used in superstitions, folklore, or as a metaphor for bad luck.

informal

to invoke a curse on someone or something

The angry man cursed his neighbor for the noise.

He wished harm or misfortune on his neighbor.

She cursed the bad weather for ruining her plans.

She expressed frustration and wished harm on the weather.

💡

Can also mean to swear or use offensive language.

Collocations

curse someoneto wish harm on someonebreak a curseto remove the effects of a curseunder a curseaffected by a curse

Synonyms

hexspelljinxmaledictionimprecation

Antonyms

blessingprayerwish of good luck

Related Phrases

curse wordsphrase
offensive or vulgar language
curse of knowledgephrase
the inability to remember what it's like not to know something

💡Pro Tip

Literal vs. Metaphorical Use

Be aware that 'curse' can be used both literally (supernatural) and metaphorically (bad luck).

⚡Gold Rule

Verb Usage

As a verb, 'curse' can mean to invoke a curse or to swear (use offensive language).

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'curs', from Old French 'cors', from Latin 'cursus' (a running, course), related to 'curse' as a running or chasing away of evil.

📝Usage Notes

In modern usage, 'curse' can be literal (supernatural) or metaphorical (bad luck). As a verb, it can also mean to swear or use offensive language.

Word Breakdown

curse
a wish of harm or evil
root
English Dictionary

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