applaud

ap·plaud

verb \ə-ˈplȯd\

Definition of APPLAUD

intransitive verb

: to express approval especially by clapping the hands

transitive verb

1

: to express approval of : praise <applaud her efforts to lose weight>

2

: to show approval of especially by clapping the hands

— ap·plaud·able \-ˈplȯ-də-bəl\ adjective

— ap·plaud·ably \-blē\ adverb

— ap·plaud·er noun

Examples of APPLAUD

1. Everyone applauded the graduates as they entered the auditorium.
2. The audience stood and applauded her performance.
3. We applaud the decision to lower taxes.
4. I applaud their efforts to clean up the city, but they must do more.
5. Rather than being criticized for her honesty, she should be applauded for it.

Origin of APPLAUD

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aplaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to APPLAUD

Synonyms

accredit, acclaim, cheer, crack up, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout

Antonyms

knock, pan, slam

Related Words

bravo, clap, rise (to); ballyhoo; approve, commend, endorse (also indorse), favor, recommend, root (for), support; celebrate, emblazon, eulogize, extol (also extoll), glorify, magnify, sing; adulate, belaud, flatter, overpraise; deify, idolize

Near Antonyms

belittle, discommend, disparage, put down; blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate; admonish, chide, criticize, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove; castigate, excoriate, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), skewer, slag [chiefly British], vilify

Rhymes with APPLAUD

abroad, belaud, defraud, maraud, whipsawed