condemn

con·demn

verb \kən-ˈdem\

Definition of CONDEMN

transitive verb

1

: to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation <a policy widely condemned as racist>

2

a : to pronounce guilty : convict b : sentence, doom <condemn a prisoner to die>

3

: to adjudge unfit for use or consumption <condemn an old apartment building>

4

: to declare convertible to public use under the right of eminent domain

— con·dem·nable \-ˈdem-nə-bəl, -ˈde-mə-\ adjective

— con·dem·na·to·ry \-ˈdem-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˈde-mə-\ adjective

— con·demn·er \-ˈde-mər\ or con·dem·nor \kən-ˈde-mər; kən-ˌdem-ˈnȯr, ˌkän-\ noun

Examples of CONDEMN

1. We strongly condemn this attack against our allies.
2. The government condemns all acts of terrorism.
3. The country condemns the use of violence on prisoners.
4. The school condemns cheating, and any student caught cheating will be expelled.
5. City officials condemned our apartment building and forced us to leave.

Origin of CONDEMN

Middle English, from Anglo-French condempner, from Latin condemnare, from com- + damnare to condemn — more at damn

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONDEMN

Synonyms: anathematize, censure, damn, decry, denounce, execrate, reprehend, reprobate

Antonyms: bless

Related Words: attack, blame, blast, criticize, dis (also diss) [slang], dispraise, fault, knock, pan, slam; belittle, deprecate, disparage; doom, sentence; convict; blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize; castigate, chastise, rebuke, reprimand, reproach; admonish, chide, reprove; berate, lambaste (or lambast), rake, scold, upbraid, vituperate; curse, imprecate; abhor, abominate, detest, hate, loathe, revile

Near Antonyms: approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction; eulogize, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, praise; acclaim, applaud, commend, hail, salute, tout; consecrate, hallow, sanctify; honor, revere, venerate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at criticize

Rhymes with CONDEMN

ad rem, ahem, AM, Arnhem, Belém, bluestem, brain stem, contemn, FM, GM, idem, in rem, item, main stem, mayhem, Menem, millieme, modem, poem, problem, pro tem, proem, Shechem