abîmer

/a.bi.me/
verbIntermediate
general

To damage, to harm, or to spoil something, often in a way that reduces its value or functionality

Il a abîmé sa voiture en la garer mal.

He damaged his car by parking it poorly.

Ne pas abîmer les livres de la bibliothèque.

Don't damage the library books.

💡

Often used to describe physical damage, but can also refer to emotional or psychological harm.

Collocations

abîmer quelque choseto damage somethingabîmer un objetto damage an object

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

s'abîmerreflexive verb
to harm oneself, to damage oneself

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Abîmer' is often used in everyday language to describe accidental damage to objects or things.

Gold Rule

Reflexive Form

The reflexive form 's'abîmer' is used when referring to self-harm or self-damage, either physically or emotionally.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'abimer', from 'a-' (to) + 'bimer' (to beat, strike). Related to 'battre' (to beat).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both transitively (with a direct object) and reflexively ('s'abîmer' - to harm oneself).

Word Breakdown

a-
to (direction)
prefix
+
-bîmer
to beat, strike
root
Noted on May 2, 2026FREN