Quranic root
دمغ
d · m · gh
The root centers on a forceful blow to the head that reaches the brain, with extensions to things that penetrate or decisively overcome their targets.
The concrete head-breaking image develops into names for wounds, instruments, and objects that reach or affect the brain, and figuratively into the decisive defeat and abolition of an opponent or falsehood.
- Maqāyīs · row 1827
- Mufradāt · row 486
- Lane · entry 1270
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 1
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
دَمَغَ
damagha
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form I
- Form
- I
- Quran occurrences
- 1 occurrence
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To overcome, subdue, and abolish an opponent decisively.
In the Quranic construction of 21:18, truth is cast upon falsehood and defeats it so completely that it is nullified or rendered despicable. The usage is figurative, drawing on the image of crushing the head or brain.
- Lane · entry 1270
- Mufradāt · row 486
Selected Quran examples
Quran 21:18word 6
“and it breaks its head”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 21:18فَيَدْمَغُهُۥand it breaks its head
Broader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 15 Classical meanings
دَمَغَ
To break or strike the head so that the wound or blow reaches the brain.
The same branch includes striking the brain and, in a reported construction with the sun as subject, causing pain in the brain.
- Lane · entry 1270
دَمَغَ
Of the produce of land: to be eaten or consumed.
Reported in the construction دُمِغَتِ الأَرْضُ.
- Lane · entry 1270
دَمَغَ
To slaughter a sheep or goat for someone.
The cited report specifies a lean animal, while another report allows a fat animal.
- Lane · entry 1270
دَمَغَ
To make or put a دَامِغَةٌ on a حَوِيَّةٌ.
The construction concerns a stuffed riding pad or related item placed on a camel; the source does not make the subject’s gender a lexical restriction.
- Lane · entry 1270
دَمَّغَ
To make a ثَرِيدَةٌ soft with grease or gravy.
This is a Form II culinary usage concerning a dish of crumbled or broken bread.
- Lane · entry 1271
الدِّمَاغُ
The brain, understood as the marrow or stuffing of the head.
The entry gives أَدْمِغَةٌ and دُمُغٌ as plural forms.
- Lane · entry 1272
أُمُّ الهَامِ / أُمُّ الرَّأْسِ / أُمُّ الدِّمَاغِ
A thin membrane or pouch in which the brain is contained.
The passage presents this identification with an editorial qualification and suggests that the related expressions may designate the meninx.
- Lane · entry 1272
دَمِيغٌ
Having the head broken so that the wound reaches the brain.
An adjective describing a person who has suffered this injury; its plural is used of men and women.
- Lane · entry 1273
دَمِيغٌ
Stupid, foolish, or deficient in intellect.
This use is reported as vulgar or nonstandard and is specifically said not to be established in chaste speech.
- Lane · entry 1273
حُجَّةٌ دَامِغَةٌ
A conclusive or decisively compelling proof.
Figurative usage based on the force of a blow that overcomes and destroys its opponent.
- Mufradāt · row 486
دَامِغَةٌ
A head wound that reaches the brain.
It is described as the final degree among the wounds called شِجَاجٌ and as normally fatal.
- Lane · entry 1274
دَامِغَةٌ
A hard spadix emerging from the broken portions of a palm tree’s heart and damaging the tree if not removed.
The object is detached when its presence is recognized because it mars the palm.
- Lane · entry 1274
- Mufradāt · row 486
دَامِغَةٌ
An iron brace fitted across or above the rear or upper extremities of a camel saddle’s framework.
Descriptions differ on its precise placement and whether it is made of iron or wood; it is also called غَاشِيَةٌ in one report.
- Lane · entry 1274
- Mufradāt · row 486
دَامِغَةٌ
A crosspiece of wood placed between two poles to support a skin used for water or milk.
This is an implement meaning distinct from the saddle brace.
- Lane · entry 1274
دَامُوغٌ
Something that wounds so as to reach the brain, or that strikes with great force.
The word may describe an agent or instrument; حَجَرٌ دَامُوغَةٌ is a stone that acts with exceptional force, with the feminine ending expressing intensiveness.
- Lane · entry 1275
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The Quranic occurrence is interpreted as figurative decisive defeat, although the wording is explained through the literal image of breaking the head or brain.