curse

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A supernatural detriment or hindrance

   A supernatural detriment or hindrance; a bane.

   • 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?
   • “The farm's had a lot of bad luck, you see. Dad thinks there is a curse on the place.” “Most like. Most like,” said Catweazle, gobbling the banana.
2. 2

   A prayer or imprecation that harm may befall someone.

3. 3

   The cause of great harm, evil, or misfortune

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

   • The common curſe of mankinde, Folly and Ignorance[…]
4. ›+ 7 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A vulgar epithet.

   2. 5

      A woman's menses.

   3. 6

      To place a curse upon (a person or object).

   4. 7

      To call upon divine or supernatural power to send injury upon

      To call upon divine or supernatural power to send injury upon; to imprecate evil upon; to execrate.

      • Thou ſhalt not[…]curſe the ruler of thy people.
   5. 8

      To speak or shout a vulgar curse or epithet.

   6. 9

      To use offensive or morally inappropriate language.

      • Then beganne hee to curſe and to ſweare[…]
      • […]his Spirits heare me, / And yet I needes muſt curſe.
   7. 10

      To bring great evil upon

      To bring great evil upon; to be the cause of serious harm or unhappiness to; to furnish with that which will be a cause of deep trouble; to afflict or injure grievously; to harass or torment.

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

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