Definition of Damn

Cynic

DAMN verb

	A word formerly much used by the Paphlagonians, the meaning of which is lost. By the learned Dr. Dolabelly Gak it is believed to have been a term of satisfaction, implying the highest possible degree of mental tranquillity. Professor Groke, on the contrary, thinks it expressed an emotion of tumultuous delight, because it so frequently occurs in combination with the word jod or god, meaning 'joy.' It would be with great diffidence that I should advance an opinion conflicting with that of either of these formidable authorities.

		definition from: *The Devil's Dictionary* by Ambrose Bierce, 1911

Dance

Regular definition:

DAMN:
dæm v., n., adj., & adv. --v.tr. 1 (often absol. or as int. of anger or annoyance, = may God damn) curse (a person or thing). 2 doom to hell; cause the damnation of. 3 condemn, censure (a review damning the performance). 4 a (often as damning adj.) (of a circumstance, piece of evidence, etc.) show or prove to be guilty; bring condemnation upon (evidence against them was damning). b be the ruin of. --n. 1 an uttered curse. 2 sl. a negligible amount (not worth a damn). --adj. & adv. colloq. = DAMNED. ødamn all sl. nothing at all. damn well colloq. (as an emphatic) simply (damn well do as I say). damn with faint praise commend so unenthusiastically as to imply disapproval. I'm (or I'll be) damned if colloq. I certainly do not, will not, etc. not give a damn see GIVE. well I'm (or I'll be) damned colloq. exclamation of surprise, dismay, etc. øødamningly adv. [ME f. OF damner f. L damnare inflict loss on f. damnum loss]

Last updated: 9/3/2011 12:48:30