First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
detriment
noun det·ri·ment \ˈde-trə-mənt\
: something that will cause damage or injury to something or someone
: the act of causing damage or injury to something or someone
Full Definition of DETRIMENT
2
: a cause of injury or damage <a detriment to progress>
See detriment defined for English-language learners
See detriment defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DETRIMENT
Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin detrimentum, from deterere to wear away, impair, from de- + terere to rub — more at throw
DETRIMENT Defined for Kids
detriment
noun det·ri·ment \ˈde-trə-mənt\
Definition of DETRIMENT for Kids
: injury or damage or its cause : harm <Missing school is to your detriment.> <Smoking is a detriment to health.>
Learn More About DETRIMENT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: detrimental (adjective)Previous Word in the Dictionary: detribalizeAll Words Near: detriment
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up detriment? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).