noun
damages
DA-mihd-zhihz
noun
1
Money awarded by a court to compensate someone for a loss or injury they suffered.
"The jury awarded the plaintiff $2 million in damages."
"She sued for damages after the accident left her unable to work."
How to Use Damages
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCompensation money ordered by a court, not just the general idea of harm.
Common mistake
Only used in this legal, financial sense as a plural noun — "damage" (singular) is the harm itself.
Common pairings
sue for damages
award damages
punitive damages
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The jury awarded the plaintiff $2 million in _____.