beschädigen
Translation
to damage, to harm, to impair
Examples
Der Sturm hat das Haus beschädigt.
The storm damaged the house.
Pass auf, dass du nichts beschädigst.
Be careful not to damage anything.
Rauchen beschädigt die Lunge.
Smoking damages the lungs.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to damage sth./sb. The storm damaged the house.
Similar Words
Synonyms: verletzen (to injure), ruinieren (to ruin); Antonyms: reparieren (to repair), heilen (to heal)
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' + the noun 'Schaden' (damage) + the verb suffix '-igen'. It literally means 'to apply damage to'.
Memory Tips
The word contains 'Schaden' (damage), making its meaning very clear. The prefix 'be-' often indicates an action on an object, so you 'beschädigen' something.