curse
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for curse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A spell or supernatural force believed to bring harm or bad luck.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use curse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English curs, of unknown origin — one of the few common English words with no clear ancestor further back.
Full origin of curse →Frequently asked questions
What does “curse” mean?
The word “curse” means a spell or supernatural force believed to bring harm or bad luck. In plain terms, a wish for bad luck to fall on someone, or the act of swearing.
How do you pronounce “curse”?
“Curse” is pronounced kurs (/kɝs/ in IPA).
How do you use “curse” in a sentence?
Here is “curse” used in a sentence: “Legend says the tomb carries an ancient curse.”
What part of speech is “curse”?
Depending on how it is used, “curse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “curse” come from?
The word “curse” comes from Old English. From Old English curs, of unknown origin — one of the few common English words with no clear ancestor further back.
Is “curse” a common word?
“Curse” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “curse” have?
“Curse” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spell or supernatural force believed to bring harm or bad luck.
What is the difference between a curse and a hex?
Both are spells believed to bring harm or bad luck. Hex is the more informal and often lighter word, while curse can also mean a lasting condition of misfortune, as in "the family curse". Curse additionally means a rude or offensive word — a sense hex never has.
What is the difference between a curse and a jinx?
A jinx is a mild force of bad luck, often said to be triggered accidentally — for example by boasting about something too soon. A curse is a deliberate spell or supernatural force believed to bring serious or lasting harm. Calling something jinxed suggests bad luck; calling it cursed suggests doom.
What is the difference between cursing and swearing?
In everyday use they are interchangeable: both mean using rude or offensive words in anger. Historically, cursing implied wishing harm on someone while swearing implied a profane oath, but modern speakers rarely observe the distinction. "Cussing" is an informal American variant of cursing.
What is the opposite of a curse?
A blessing. Where a curse is a spell or force believed to bring harm or bad luck, a blessing is intended to bring favour or protection, and to bless someone is the opposite of cursing them.