curse

CEFRB1

/kɜːs/

noun · verb

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A rude or offensive word used to express anger.

  2. 02

    verb

    To use rude words or wish harm on someone.

Examples

  • Nor was he ever known to curse unless against the government.

  • The family seemed to be under a curse.

At a glance

Sits at B1 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5
Synonyms
5

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. A prayer or imprecation that harm may befall someone.

  2. The cause of great harm, evil, or misfortune; that which brings evil or severe affliction; torment.

  3. A supernatural detriment or hindrance; a bane.

More examples

In context

  • Oh Portius, is there not some choſen Curſe, Some hidden Thunder in the Stores of Heav’n, Red with uncommon Wrath, to blaſt the Man Who owes his Greatneſs to his Country’s Ruin?

  • On Impious Realms, and barb’rous Kings, impoſe / Thy Plagues, and curſe 'em with ſuch Sons as thoſe.

  • Thou ſhalt not[…]curſe the ruler of thy people.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The old legend says a witch placed a blank on the treasure.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Middle English curse, kors, cors, curs, from Old English cors, curs (“curse”), of unknown origin.