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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.
verbđź’ˇ
Imagine This
Imagine a building inspector posting a large red notice that says Condemned after a dangerous inspection—no one may enter, and the plan is to demolish the structure.
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Sounds Like
kən-DEM-ən
đź‘€
Looks Like
con-demn (looks like con + damn; resembles 'demon' minus the 'o')
đź“ť
Remember This
Condemn is stronger than merely criticizing; it carries official judgment or punishment. It is not the same as condone (to approve).
đź“š
Other Forms
condemnedadjective
condemningverb
condemnationnoun
đź“Ś
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).
đź§
Study Deeper
Examples
- The city council condemned the proposal as wasteful and unnecessary.
- After the earthquake, the building was condemned as unsafe and was demolished.
Synonyms
denouncedecrycensurereproachstigmatize
Antonyms
praisecommendapprove
Etymology
From Latin condemnare, meaning to condemn or sentence; formed from the prefix con- (together/intensifier) with damnare (to damn), carried into Old French as condemner and then into English as condemn.
Mnemonic
Con-demn: Think of a courtroom scene where a judge says a person is 'con-damn'ed—con- (with) + damn means to declare guilty or unfit; a strong judgment that harms the subject.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Denounce
verbTo publicly condemn or criticize something or someone.
Decry
verbTo publicly condemn or denounce something; to express strong disapproval of a policy, action, or idea.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
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