Meaning & use

curse

noun·Everyday

A spoken wish for harm to befall someone, or a supposed magical spell believed to bring misfortune.

See it in a sentence

According to legend, the pharaoh's tomb carries a curse that dooms anyone who disturbs it.

Losing his voice right before the audition felt like a curse to the young singer.

A note on using this word

Curse can also be used loosely to describe a persistent run of bad luck, without any belief in real magic.

Words with a similar meaning

hexjinx

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To swear or use offensive language, often out of anger or frustration.

He cursed loudly after stubbing his toe on the table leg.

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