plural curses
1
: an offensive word that people say when they are angry : swearword
I heard him utter a curse before the microphone was shut off.
2
: magical words that are said to cause trouble or bad luck for someone or the condition that results when such words are said
The witch pronounced a curse in some strange language.
People believe that someone put a curse on the house.
There is a curse on that old house. = That old house is under a curse.
3
: a cause of trouble or bad luck
His fame turned out to be a curse, not a blessing.
4
old-fashioned + informal
: menstruation
curses; cursed; cursing
1
a
: to use offensive words when you speak
He always starts cursing [=swearing] when he gets drunk.
b
: to say offensive words to (someone)
She angrily cursed him [=swore at him] as he turned and walked away.
c
: to say or think bad things about (someone or something)
He cursed himself for being so careless.
She cursed her bad luck.
2
: to say words that are believed to have a magical power to cause trouble or bad luck for (someone or something) : to put a curse on (someone or something)
In the book the evil witch curses the villagers.
Cite this Entry
“Curse.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/curse. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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