a sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
"The court awarded him $50,000 in damages to cover the cost of his ruined car and medical bills."
The money paid or awarded to a claimant (in England), a pursuer (in Scotland) or a plaintiff (in the US) in a civil action as compensation for a loss suffered by the same.
"The jury awarded $50,000 in damages to the plaintiff after ruling that the company was liable for the accident."
In plain English: Damages are money given to someone who was hurt by another person's actions.
"The court awarded him damages for the loss of his property."
Usage: Damages refers specifically to monetary compensation awarded by a court to someone who has suffered a loss in a civil lawsuit, distinct from legal fees or criminal fines. Use this term only when discussing financial awards granted to a plaintiff or claimant after a legal judgment.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of damage
"The leaking pipe damages the drywall every time it rains."
In plain English: To damage something means to hurt it so that it does not work properly or looks broken.
"The storm damages many houses in the coastal town."
Usage: Do not use "damages" to mean causing harm; instead, use it only in legal contexts where it refers to money awarded for injury or loss. In everyday situations, keep the noun "damages" and the verb "damage" separate from the legal term "compensate."
Derived from Old French damer (to damage), the term originally referred to compensation paid for harm or injury done to property. It evolved in English legal usage to denote monetary awards given as redress for civil wrongs rather than physical destruction alone.