Condemn

Definition

Condemn refers to the act of expressing strong disapproval of someone or something, often on moral or legal grounds. It can also mean sentencing someone to a particular punishment, especially in a legal context, or declaring something unfit for use.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈdɛm/
• Respelling: kuhn-DEM

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈdɛm/
• Respelling: kuhn-DEM

Etymology

The word "condemn" originates from the Latin word "condemnare," meaning "to sentence, to blame." It is composed of "con-" (intensifier) and "damnare" (to damage or harm). The term entered Middle English in the 14th century and retains its original meanings of expressing disapproval or passing judgment.

Derivatives

• Condemnation (noun)
• Condemnable (adjective)
• Condemned (adjective)
• Condemning (verb)
• Self-condemnation (noun)

Synonyms

• Censure
• Denounce
• Criticize

Antonyms

• Praise
• Approve
• Commend

Usage

The verb "condemn" is used in both formal and informal contexts to express strong disapproval, often in a moral or legal sense. For example, "The council condemned the illegal construction," or "He was condemned to life imprisonment." It is also used when a building or object is declared unfit for use, such as "The house was condemned due to safety hazards."

Related Terms

• Judgment: The act of forming an opinion or decision, often used in legal contexts.
• Rebuke: A sharp disapproval or criticism of someone's actions or behavior.
• Sentencing: The act of declaring a punishment in a legal setting.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To express strong disapproval of someone or something: Used when criticizing actions, behaviors, or policies on moral or legal grounds.
  • Example: "The mayor condemned the violent protests."
• To sentence someone to a particular punishment: Refers to passing a formal judgment, often in a legal context.
  • Example: "The court condemned the criminal to death."
• To declare something unfit for use: Commonly used in reference to buildings, objects, or structures that are unsafe or no longer usable.
  • Example: "The building was condemned due to fire damage."