Definition

Something that causes great harm, ruin, or annoyance.

Example

The traffic jams in the city are the bane of my daily commute.

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how stress can be the bane of our lives?

Absolutely! It just makes everything feel so much harder to handle.

I find that taking breaks helps, but the bane of my existence is still work deadlines.

I hear you! It’s tough to find a balance sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To cause someone's death, especially by using poison.

Example

The villain planned to bane his enemies with a deadly toxin.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that new movie where they bane a villain with poison?

Yeah, I heard it's really intense and dark!

I can't believe they would actually show something like that on screen.

Root Explanation

Bane originates from Old English 'bana', meaning killer or murderer. It refers to something that causes death or destruction.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bana' meaning killer — that's why bane refers to something that brings ruin or death.

Visually Confused Words