curse
curse
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "curse" is /kɜːrs/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
k: Voiceless velar stop
ɜː: Open-mid central vowel (stressed)
r: Alveolar approximant
s: Voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
curse (singular noun/base verb)
curses (plural noun, third-person singular present verb)
cursed (past tense verb, past participle adjective)
cursing (present participle verb, gerund)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: A solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something.
Synonyms: imprecation, malediction, execration, damnation, anathema
Antonyms: blessing, benediction, invocation, praise, compliment
Definition 2: A cause of great trouble or misfortune.
Synonyms: affliction, plague, scourge, bane, hardship, misfortune
Antonyms: blessing, boon, advantage, benefit, fortune, luck
Verb:
Definition 1: To invoke supernatural harm or punishment upon someone or something.
Synonyms: damn, execrate, anathematize, imprecate, denounce
Antonyms: bless, praise, commend, extol, laud
Definition 2: To swear at or revile.
Synonyms: swear, blaspheme, cuss, revile, abuse, berate
Antonyms: praise, compliment, flatter, respect, honor
Adjective (Past Participle):
Definition: Under or subject to a curse; doomed. (Often used figuratively).
Synonyms: accursed, doomed, ill-fated, unlucky, blighted, hexed
Antonyms: blessed, fortunate, lucky, favored, auspicious, charmed
Adjective (Present Participle - less common as a standalone adjective):
Definition: In the act of cursing; characterized by cursing. (Usually functions as part of a verb phrase, e.g., "He was cursing loudly.")
Synonyms: swearing, blaspheming, imprecating, denouncing
Antonyms: blessing, praising, complimenting
Examples of Use
Noun:
Literature: "The old woman placed a curse on the family, dooming them to generations of misfortune." (Fictional example, common trope in fantasy literature)
News: "The drought has become a curse for farmers in the region." (News article discussing a natural disaster) (Hypothetical example - similar phrasing is common)
Online Discussion: "This new software update is a curse; it's constantly crashing!" (Online forum or social media comment expressing frustration) (Hypothetical example - common online sentiment)
Film: "The mummy's curse brought death to all who dared disturb its tomb." (Plot point from a horror/adventure film, like many of the "Mummy" franchise movies)
General Discourse: "I think I'm under some kind of curse; everything's going wrong!" (Casual conversation expressing a feeling of persistent bad luck)
Verb:
Literature: "The witch cursed the prince, turning him into a frog." (Fictional example, common in fairy tales and fantasy)
News: "Protesters cursed the government's decision." (News report covering a protest) (Hypothetical example, but common in reporting on protests)
Online Publication: "Fans cursed the team's performance online." (Sports blog or social media post about a team's loss) (Hypothetical but very common)
Television: A character in a drama series might curse another character in a heated argument. (Fictional example, common in dramatic programming)
General Discourse: "He cursed his bad luck." (Everyday conversation about someone expressing frustration)
Adjective (Past Participle):
Literature: "The cursed treasure brought ruin to all who possessed it." (Fictional example, common in adventure and horror genres)
General Discourse: "This whole project feels cursed." (Expressing a feeling that something is doomed to fail)
Adjective (Present Participle):
Online Forum: "He was cursing his opponent after losing the game." (Discussion on an online gaming forum) (Hypothetical but representative of online discourse)
General Discourse: "I heard him cursing loudly in the other room." (Everyday conversation about someone using profanity)
10 Famous Quotes Using Curse
"Every blessing ignored becomes a curse." — *Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
"The curse of knowledge is that it closes your mind to what it's like not to know." — Steven Pinker
"Power without compassion is the worst kind of curse." — E.J. Dionne Jr.
"Fame is a curse that fools mistake for a crown." — Tupac Shakur
"I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent, but only vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself and falls on the other—this is the curse." — *William Shakespeare, Macbeth
"The artist's curse is that we feel everything deeply and often alone." — Nikki Giovanni (paraphrased)
"Poverty is not a curse, but a condition created by systems we must change." — Nelson Mandela
"The curse of modern life is not that we have too little time, but that we waste so much of it." — Seneca (paraphrased through modern translation)
"To be clever enough to get all that money, one must be stupid enough to want it—what a curse." — G.K. Chesterton
"Every curse, when embraced, can become a calling." — Erwin McManus
Etymology
Let's break down the etymology of "curse" in a way that's easy to understand.
The word "curse" has a long history, stretching back to the Old English word kyrsian, which meant "to curse, execrate." This Old English word likely came from the Old Norse word syrsa, which had a similar meaning. Think Vikings and their strong language!
Even further back, some believe syrsa might be related to a Proto-Germanic root swerran, which could be connected to words meaning "to swear" or "to speak solemnly." This connection makes sense, as curses often involve spoken words with the intent to bring about some kind of negative consequence.
The first known use of "curse" in written English (in its various forms like kyrsian) dates back to around the 9th century. Initially, its meaning was very specifically tied to invoking supernatural powers to inflict harm. It was a serious matter, often tied to religious beliefs and the idea of divine punishment.
Over time, the meaning of "curse" broadened a bit. While it still carries the connotation of invoking misfortune or expressing strong disapproval, it also came to be used more generally to express frustration, anger, or even just bad luck. So, while the core idea of wishing harm or misfortune remains, the intensity and context have evolved over the centuries.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Curse
Direct use of "curse":
A curse upon...: This is a classic, somewhat archaic phrasing used to invoke misfortune on someone or something. You might see it in literature or hear it for dramatic effect. "A curse upon your house!"
The curse of...: This phrase often refers to a persistent source of trouble or bad luck. "The curse of the pharaohs." "The curse of Monday mornings." (Figurative)
To be cursed with...: This describes someone burdened by a negative trait or circumstance. "He was cursed with a terrible temper."
Curse words: This refers to profane or offensive language.
Phrases expressing similar sentiments (using synonyms or related concepts):
To damn someone/something: This expresses strong disapproval and a wish for misfortune, similar to cursing.
To hex someone: This implies using magic to bring bad luck to someone.
To put a jinx on something: Similar to a hex, this suggests bringing bad luck through some action or belief.
To be plagued by something: This describes being persistently troubled by something, similar to being under a curse. "The project was plagued by delays."
Ill-fated: Describes someone or something destined for misfortune. "The ill-fated voyage."
Doomed: Similar to ill-fated, suggesting an inescapable negative outcome. "They were doomed from the start."
Blighted: Affected by something that causes decay or ruin. "A blighted landscape." (Can be used figuratively)
Under a cloud: Experiencing a period of disgrace or suspicion, similar to the idea of being cursed. "He's been under a cloud since the scandal."
Original phrases (in the style of idioms):
"To be cursed with two left feet": A humorous way to describe someone clumsy.
"The curse of the empty page": Describing writer's block.
"To curse the traffic gods": Expressing frustration with traffic delays. (Figurative)
Why "curse" idioms are less common:
The word "curse" carries a strong and often negative connotation. Idioms tend to be more playful or metaphorical in their language. While "curse" can be used metaphorically, it often retains its serious undertones, making it less suitable for the lighthearted nature of many idioms. Also, there are many other words to express misfortune or disapproval, and these words may be more adaptable to idiomatic expression.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of curse from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
