bane

[ beyn ]

/ beɪn /

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See synonyms for bane on Thesaurus.com

noun

a person or thing that ruins or spoils: Gambling was the bane of his existence.

a deadly poison (often used in combination, as in the names of poisonous plants): wolfsbane; henbane.

death; destruction; ruin.

Obsolete. that which causes death or destroys life: entrapped and drowned beneath the watery bane.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of bane

before 1000; Middle English; Old English bana slayer; cognate with Old Norse bani death, murderer, Old Frisian bona murder, Old Saxon bano murderer, Old High German bano slayer, bana death; akin to Old English benn,Gothic banja wound

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use bane in a sentence

“What they are really doing is justifying their existence,” Banes said.
Special Forces’ $77M ‘Hustler’ Hits Back|Kevin Maurer|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Shadman transferred millions to banks outside Afghanistan in 2013 to buy property to open a business in Dubai, according to Banes.
Special Forces’ $77M ‘Hustler’ Hits Back|Kevin Maurer|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Not too late yet to escape; for those subtle banes, that are to defy all detection, work but slowly to their end.
Lucretia, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
He was an earnest enemie to all vices, especially to auarice and pride, the two banes of all vertues.
The Lives of the III Normans, Kings of England: William the First, William the Second, Henrie the First|John Hayward

"Saft beddin's gude for sair banes," quo' Howie when he streekit himsel on the midden-head.
The Proverbs of Scotland|Alexander Hislop
Banes was particularly severe in his condemnation of Jesse and Frank James.
Life and adventures of Frank and Jesse James|J. A. Dacus
"Let me speak till him then," said Jean; "I'll sune bring him till his marrow-banes;" and she took a hasty step to follow him.
Christie Johnstone|Charles Reade

British Dictionary definitions for bane (1 of 2)

bane¹

/ (beɪn) /

noun

a person or thing that causes misery or distress (esp in the phrase bane of one's life)

something that causes death or destruction

a fatal poison
(in combination)ratsbane

archaic ruin or distress

Word Origin for bane

Old English bana; related to Old Norse bani death, Old High German bano destruction, death

British Dictionary definitions for bane (2 of 2)

bane²

/ (ben, beɪn) /

noun

a Scot word for bone

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

bane

Origin of bane

Words related to bane

How to use bane in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bane (1 of 2)

Word Origin for bane

British Dictionary definitions for bane (2 of 2)