schädigen
Translation
to damage, to harm, to injure, to prejudice
Examples
Rauchen schädigt die Gesundheit.
Smoking damages one's health.
Der Frost hat die Pflanzen geschädigt.
The frost has damaged the plants.
Sein Ruf wurde durch die Gerüchte geschädigt.
His reputation was damaged by the rumours.
Grammar Patterns
((sth./sb.)) to damage sth./sb. The scandal damaged his reputation.
Similar Words
Synonyms: beschädigen, verletzen; Antonyms: nützen, helfen
Etymology
Derived from the noun 'der Schaden' (damage, harm). The '-igen' suffix verbalises the noun.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'scathe' or 'scathing', which has a similar sound and meaning of harm. Or connect it to the German exclamation 'Schade!' (What a pity!), said when something is damaged.