curse

[kɜːs]

curse Definition

• 1. a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something
• 2. a cause of harm or misery

Using curse: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "curse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The witch put a curse on him.

• Example

  He believes that he is under a curse.

• Example

  The curse of poverty has haunted them for generations.

curse Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for curse

• hex
• jinx
• malediction
• anathema
• imprecation

Antonyms for curse

• blessing
• boon

Idioms Using curse

• a blessing in disguise (or a curse)

  something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening later

  Example

  Losing his job turned out to be a blessing in disguise when he found a better one soon after. However, for some people, it can be a curse in disguise.

• break the curse

  to end a run of bad luck or misfortune

  Example

  The team finally broke the curse and won the championship after years of losing.

• a curse on both your houses

  a phrase used to express a wish that bad things will happen to both sides in a conflict

  Example

  After the argument, she shouted 'a curse on both your houses!' and stormed out of the room.

Phrases with curse

• curse word

  a profane or obscene word

  Example

  He was scolded for using curse words in front of his grandmother.

• curse of the pharaohs

  the belief that those who disturb the mummy of an Ancient Egyptian pharaoh are cursed

  Example

  Many people believe that the curse of the pharaohs is real and that it has caused many deaths.

• curse of knowledge

  the difficulty of imagining what it is like not to know something that you do know

  Example

  The curse of knowledge makes it hard for experts to explain things to beginners.

Origins of curse

from Old English 'cursian', meaning 'to curse'

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Summary: curse in Brief

The term 'curse' [kɜːs] refers to a solemn invocation of supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment, or a cause of harm or misery. It spans contexts from witchcraft to everyday life, exemplified by 'The curse of poverty has haunted them for generations.' 'Curse' extends into phrases like 'curse word,' and idioms like 'a blessing in disguise,' denoting a seemingly negative event that results in a positive outcome, and 'break the curse,' implying ending a run of bad luck.