作动词时
damage侧重物理生理损伤 强调损坏的动作
1 to cause physical harm to something or to part of someone’s body :
insects that damage crops损害农作物
Smoking can severely damage your health.损害身体健康
另外
2 to have a bad effect on something or someone in a way that makes them weaker or less successful :
The changes in share values have damaged investor confidence.打击信心
ruin 的损害程度更大,程度深的损害.含义相对抽象,强调损坏的结果.常译作毁了……,毁灭……
1 to spoil or destroy something completely :
This illness has ruined my life.毁了我一生
His career would be ruined.事业遭重创
All this mud’s going to ruin my shoes.这些泥毁了我的鞋子
2 to make someone lose all their money :
Jefferson was ruined by the lawsuit.