Crossword Genius

Harm barrier, over many years (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

damage

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'harm' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'barrier over many years' is the wordplay.
'barrier' becomes 'dam' (dam is a kind of barrier).
'over' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'many years' becomes 'age' (synonyms. I am not sure about the 'many' bit.).
'dam'+'age'='DAMAGE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for damage that I've seen before include "Deface, break" , "Impairment, injury" , "vandalism?" , "Ravages" , "Impair and lower value" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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