First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1curse
noun \ˈkərs\
: an offensive word that people say when they are angry
: magical words that are said to cause trouble or bad luck for someone or the condition that results when such words are said
: a cause of trouble or bad luck
Full Definition of CURSE
1
: a prayer or invocation for harm or injury to come upon one : imprecation
2
: something that is cursed or accursed
3
: evil or misfortune that comes as if in response to imprecation or as retribution
4
: a cause of great harm or misfortune : torment
5
: menstruation —used with the
See curse defined for English-language learners
See curse defined for kids
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Origin of CURSE
Middle English curs, from Old English
Related to CURSE
- Synonyms
- anathema, ban, execration, imprecation, malediction, malison, winze [Scottish]
- Antonyms
- benediction, benison, blessing
Other Occult Terms
2curse
verb
: to use offensive words when you speak
: to say offensive words to (someone)
: to say or or think bad things about (someone or something)
cursedcurs·ing
Full Definition of CURSE
transitive verb
1
: to use profanely insolent language against : blaspheme <curse God and die — Job 2:9(REB)>
2
a : to call upon divine or supernatural power to send injury upon <was cursed and fears he will die> b : to execrate in fervent and often profane terms <cursed by future generations unless we act now>
3
: to bring great evil upon : afflict <a land cursed with famine>
intransitive verb
: to utter imprecations : swear <cursing loudly>
See curse defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CURSE
before 12th century
Related to CURSE
- Synonyms
- anathematize, beshrew [archaic], imprecate, maledict
- Antonyms
- bless
CURSE Defined for Kids
1curse
noun \ˈkərs\
Definition of CURSE for Kids
1
: a series of words calling for harm to come to someone
2
: a word or an expression used in swearing or in calling for harm to come to someone
3
: evil or misfortune that comes as if in answer to someone's request <The land suffered the curse of drought.>
4
: a cause of great harm or evil <All this money has been nothing but a curse.>
2curse
verb
cursedcurs·ing
Definition of CURSE for Kids
1
: to call upon divine power to send harm or evil upon <He cursed his enemies.>
2
: swear 1
3
: to bring unhappiness or evil upon : afflict
4
: to say or think bad things about (someone or something) <He cursed the unfairness of the world.>
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