Curse
Definitions and Meaning in English
- A solemn utterance intended to invoke harm or misfortune upon someone or something.
- A profane or offensive word or expression used to express anger or frustration.
- A cause of misfortune or bad luck, often believed to be the result of supernatural forces.
- A ritual or practice that involves invoking harm, especially in a spiritual or supernatural sense.
History and Origin
The word “curse” comes from the Old French curser, which means “to invoke a curse upon” and is derived from the Latin curse, meaning “a wish of misfortune or harm.” It has been used since the Middle Ages to refer to words or phrases that were thought to bring about bad luck or divine punishment. Curses have played a significant role in many cultures and religions, often used to invoke punishment, retaliation, or to ward off evil spirits. Historically, curses were believed to be powerful tools used to influence fate or control others, sometimes through the use of specific rituals or incantations.
Detailed Explanation
A “curse” can refer to a verbal expression that is intended to bring misfortune or bad luck to a person or situation. In some cultures and belief systems, curses are considered to have supernatural power and can be imposed through specific words, gestures, or rituals. While in modern use, curses are often seen as mere expressions of anger or frustration, they once carried significant cultural and spiritual weight. The word can also describe an event or circumstance that is perceived as a result of such a curse, such as ongoing bad luck or misfortune.
Example Sentences
- The witch cast a curse on the village, bringing endless misfortune.
- After losing the game, he muttered a curse under his breath.
- The family believed they were cursed after a series of tragic events.
- She cursed the day she ever met him, regretting their relationship.
- The old man was rumored to have the power to curse anyone who crossed him.
- The treasure was said to be cursed, bringing doom to those who sought it.
- He felt cursed by his constant bad luck and misfortune.
- The angry customer left the store, cursing the poor service.
- The spell was meant to break the curse that had plagued the kingdom for centuries.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Hex – A magical spell or curse, often believed to bring bad luck.
- Malediction – A formal or ceremonial curse, invoking harm or misfortune.
- Jinx – A person or thing that causes bad luck, akin to a curse.
- Blight – A condition that causes destruction or ruin, often attributed to a curse or bad luck.
- Anathema – A person or thing that is greatly disliked or cursed, often by a religious or authoritative body.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Spell – A magical incantation believed to have the power to affect the world, often in a harmful way.
- Incantation – A chant or series of words believed to invoke magical powers or curses.
- Witchcraft – The practice of using magic or spells, often associated with curses and supernatural forces.
- Voodoo – A religion and system of magic that involves the casting of curses and spells.
- Superstition – A belief in supernatural forces, often involving curses or bad luck.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Doom – A fate or destiny, often linked to a curse or inevitable misfortune.
- Excommunication – A religious banishment, sometimes seen as a curse imposed by a religious authority.
- Cursed – The state of being under the influence of a curse.
- Punishment – A consequence or penalty often viewed as a result of wrongdoing or a curse.
- Bad Luck – The opposite of good fortune, often attributed to being cursed.
Antonyms
- Blessing
- Favor
- Good fortune
- Grace
- Praise