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Unread Sep 7th, 2006, 04:59 pm
mesmark mesmark is offline
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Default Re: hurt, injure, damage

On the spot

I said 'hurt' and 'injure' are comparable in usage, but 'injure' seems more serious than 'hurt'.

'Damage' is used for things that are unrepairable naturally.

She hurt her good leg trying to support an old injury.
- not so serious

She injured her good leg trying to support an old injury.
- sounds serious, like she'll have a difficult time for a while

She damaged her good leg trying to support an old injury.
- sounds serious an the problem won't heal or the effect is lasting

Context plays a big part. The usage changes if we're talking about feelings or inanimate objects.
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