
Condemn
To express strong disapproval of something or someone, and to declare them unfit, wrong, or deserving of punishment; in a legal sense, to sentence a person to punishment.
verbCondemn
To express strong disapproval of something or someone, and to declare them unfit, wrong, or deserving of punishment; in a legal sense, to sentence a person to punishment.
verb
Imagine This
Imagine a building inspector posting a large red notice that says Condemned after a dangerous inspectionβno one may enter, and the plan is to demolish the structure.
Sounds Like
kΙn-DEM-Ιn
Looks Like
con-demn (looks like con + damn; resembles 'demon' minus the 'o')
Remember This
Condemn is stronger than merely criticizing; it carries official judgment or punishment. It is not the same as condone (to approve).
Other Forms
Note
Use condemn for formal disapproval or official judgment (e.g., a building is condemned; a policy is condemned). In legal contexts, it often means to sentence. Do not confuse with 'condone' (to approve or overlook).
