Detriment

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈdÉ›tɹɪmÉ™nt/

Origin

From Old French detriement, from Latin detrimentum ("loss, damage, literally a rubbing off"), from deterere ("to rub off, wear"), from de- ("down, away") + terere ("to rub").

Noun

1. Harm, hurt, damage.
• 1872, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Possessed Chapter 7, “But marriage in secret, Nikolay Vsyevolodovitch — a fatal secret. I receive money from you, and I'm suddenly asked the question, 'What's that money for?' My hands are tied; I cannot answer to the detriment of my sister, to the detriment of the family honour.”
2. (UK, obsolete) A charge made to students and barristers for incidental repairs of the rooms they occupy.

Usage notes

Often used in the form "to someone's detriment".

Synonyms

• harm
• hurt
• illfare
• damage

Antonyms

• benefit

Related terms

• detrimental