curse
curse Lexical Profile
curse Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A solemn utterance or appeal to a supernatural power intended to invoke evil, harm, or misfortune upon a person, place, or thing.
"According to local folklore, an ancient curse was placed on anyone who disturbed the royal tomb."
An offensive, profane, or vulgar word or phrase uttered in anger, frustration, or surprise.
"He muttered a quiet curse under his breath when he realized he had locked his keys inside the car."
A persistent cause of great harm, affliction, or misery.
"Chronic drought has long been the curse of agricultural communities across the arid region."
• verb
To utter offensive, profane, or blasphemous words in anger or annoyance.
"He began to curse loudly after stubbing his toe against the heavy oak doorframe."
To invoke or wish supernatural evil, doom, or misfortune upon someone or something.
"In the play, the betrayed prophetess attempts to curse the king and his entire lineage."
To afflict or burden someone or something with persistent trouble, harm, or misery (usually used in the passive).
"The ambitious infrastructure project was cursed with severe budget deficits from the outset."
• Rhymes for curse
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English curs ('a prayer that evil or harm befall someone'), of uncertain ultimate origin; possibly borrowed from Old Irish cúrsagid ('to reprimand') or Latin cursus ('ecclesiastical service').