Dëmtoj

Dëmtoj is an Albanian verb meaning to cause harm or damage to a person, object, or situation. It covers physical damage as well as harm to non-physical aspects such as reputation, finances, or safety. In everyday language it can refer to both concrete and abstract forms of injury or impairment.

Etymology and form: The verb is derived from the noun dëm, meaning harm or damage, with the causative suffix -toj. It is a transitive verb used with a direct object, as in unë dëmtoj makinën (I damage the car) or dëmtoj reputacionin (I harm the reputation). The reflexive form dëmtohem means “to be damaged” or “to be harmed.”

Conjugation and usage: In the present tense the forms are: unë dëmtoj, ti dëmton, ai/ajo dëmton, ne dëmtojmë, ju dëmtoni, ata dëmtojnë. It is commonly employed in contexts ranging from everyday mishandling of objects to discussions of liability, safety, or ethical conduct. The verb can pair with tangible objects (makina, sendet) as well as intangible targets (reputacioni, shëndeti).

Related terms: dëm is the noun for harm or damage; dëmtim also means damage, often used for more formal or medical contexts. Other related words include dëmtues (damager) and dëmshpërblim (compensation).

See also: Albanian lexicon entries on harm and damage, insurance and legal terminology, and related verbs describing harm or impairment.