informal + impolite
—used to show that you are angry, annoyed, surprised, etc.
Damn! That really hurt!
Well, damn. Why didn't you say you wouldn't be able to come?
Damn! I had no idea you were planning a party for me!
damns; damned; damning
1
informal + impolite
a
—used to show that you are angry or annoyed at a person, thing, or situation
Damn them! They've ruined everything!
Damn this rain. We haven't had a nice day in weeks.
Damn it! I forgot my keys!
Damn it all!
b
—used to say in a forceful way that you do not care about something
I'm going to do it, damn the consequences. = I'm going to do it, the consequences be damned. [=I'm going to do it despite the possible consequences]
2
: to send (someone) to hell as punishment after death
—usually used as (be) damned
He said that they would be damned (to hell) for all eternity. [=that God would force them to be in hell forever]
—sometimes used figurativelyShe was damned [=(more commonly) doomed] by her own lack of foresight.
3
: to say or think bad things about (someone or something) : to strongly criticize (someone or something)
He damned them for their stupidity.
informal + impolite
: anything at all
—usually used in negative statements
This computer's not worth a damn. [=it has no value; it is worthless]
His promises don't mean a damn. [=don't mean anything]
variants
also damned
always used before a noun
informal + impolite
1
—used to show that you are angry, annoyed, surprised, etc.
Turn the damn TV off and listen to me!
The damned car won't start again.
That's none of your damn business.
The damn thing never worked right.
2
—used to make a statement more forceful
If you believe that, you're a damn/damned fool.
It's a damn shame that she couldn't afford to go to college.
She's a damned liar!
There's not a damn thing you can do about it. [=you cannot do anything about it]
variants
also damned
informal + impolite
: very or extremely
That was a damn good movie.
You did a damned fine job on that project.
You'd better make damn sure that it doesn't happen again.
"You seem angry." "You're damn right I am! That's for damn sure!"
Some people just talk too damn much. [=talk far too much]
The idea's pretty damn smart, if you ask me.
He damn near killed us! [=he almost killed us]
You know damn well what happened.
You damn well better finish the job. [=you must finish the job]
He does whatever he damn/damned well pleases. [=he does whatever he wants to do]
Cite this Entry
“Damn.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/damn. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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