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tarnation

noun
tar·​na·​tion | \ ˌtär-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce tarnation (audio) \

Definition of tarnation

: damnation —often used as an interjection or intensive —often used with in tarnation strike me— James Joycewhere in tarnation you from?— Jessamyn West

Examples of tarnation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 What in the wide tarnation is better on a winter’s day than the smell of something sweet baking in your oven? — James P. Dewan, chicagotribune.com, "How to avoid baking mistakes and win the holidays," 13 Dec. 2017 The last thing Iowa needs is for its defense to run all over tarnation for 30 minutes while the offense stumbles. — Scott Dochterman, ajc, "Iowa football vs. North Texas: 3 keys, predictions," 15 Sep. 2017

First Known Use of tarnation

1790, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tarnation

alteration of darnation, euphemism for damnation

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