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curse
/kɜːrs/
a wish of harm or evil
The old woman placed a curse on the thief.
She wished harm or misfortune on the thief.
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
Antonyms
Related Phrases
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
rootEnglish Dictionary