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detriment

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The definition of a detriment is something that can cause damage, injury or harm.

(noun)

An example of a detriment to your health is not eating healthy foods.

See detriment in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

damage; injury; harm
anything that causes damage or injury

Origin: ME & OFr < L detrimentum, a rubbing off, damage < detritus, pp. of deterere, to rub off, wear away < de-, off, from + terere, to rub: see throw

See detriment in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Damage, harm, or loss: took a long leave of absence without detriment to her career. See Synonyms at disadvantage.
Something that causes damage, harm, or loss: Smoking is now considered a detriment to good health.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin dētrīmentum

Origin: , from dētrītus

Origin: , past participle of dēterere, to lessen, wear down

Origin: : dē-, de-

Origin: + terere, to rub; see terə-¹ in Indo-European roots

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