First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1doom
noun \ˈdüm\
: very bad events or situations that cannot be avoided
: death or ruin
Full Definition of DOOM
1
: a law or ordinance especially in Anglo-Saxon England
2
a : judgment, decision; especially : a judicial condemnation or sentence b (1) : judgment 3a (2) : judgment day 1
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Origin of DOOM
Middle English, from Old English dōm; akin to Old High German tuom condition, state, Old English dōn to do
Related to DOOM
Synonym Discussion of DOOM
fate, destiny, lot, portion, doom mean a predetermined state or end. fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome <the fate of the submarine is unknown>. destiny implies something foreordained and often suggests a great or noble course or end <the country's destiny to be a model of liberty to the world>. lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance <it was her lot to die childless>, portion implying the apportioning of good and evil <remorse was his daily portion>. doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate <if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain>.
2doom
verb
: to make (someone or something) certain to fail, suffer, die, etc.
Full Definition of DOOM
transitive verb
1
: to give judgment against : condemn
2
a : to fix the fate of : destine <felt he was doomed to a life of loneliness> b : to make certain the failure or destruction of <the scandal doomed her chances for election>
See doom defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DOOM
15th century
Related to DOOM
- Synonyms
- destine, fate, foredoom, foreordain, ordain, predestine, predetermine, preordain
DOOM Defined for Kids
1doom
noun \ˈdüm\
Definition of DOOM for Kids
1
: a terrible or unhappy ending or happening <The news is full of doom and gloom.>
2
: death 1 <He met his doom.>
2doom
verb
doomeddoom·ing
Definition of DOOM for Kids
: to make sure that something bad will happen <The plan was doomed to failure.>
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