French word

préjudice

Pronunciation

IPA/pʁeʒydis/

Meaning

  • masculine nounharm

Example

Il a subi un préjudice.

He suffered harm.

Illustration for préjudice (harm)

More examples

Un commentaire déplacé peut porter un préjudice à sa carrière.

An inappropriate comment can harm his career.

Core concept

A lasting mark that weakens a person's position, livelihood, or good name.

Common phrases

  • causer un préjudice

    cause damage

  • subir un préjudice

    suffer damage

Similar words

dommage: Harm or loss affecting people or property.
perte: A loss caused by losing property, money, or an opportunity.
dégât: Physical damage visible when an object is broken or damaged.
tort: Unjust harm or loss suffered by another person.

Definition in French

Effet négatif ou dommage infligé à une personne, à ses biens ou à sa réputation.

Word origin

French préjudice comes through Old French from Latin praejudicium, meaning a prior judgment, and later developed the sense of harm or disadvantage.

Usage tips

  • The usual constructions are subir un préjudice and causer un préjudice à quelqu'un, with à marking the person affected.

Other meanings

  • damagenoun
  • disadvantagenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • préjudiciableharmfuladjective

Word lists with this word