condemn

verb

con·demn | \ kən-ˈdem

condemned; condemning; condemns

Definition of condemn

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

2a : 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

Other Words from condemn Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about condemn

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Other Words from condemn

condemnable \ kən-ˈdem-nə-bəl

, -ˈde-mə- \ adjective

condemnatory \ kən-ˈdem-nə-ˌtȯr-ē

, -ˈde-mə- \ adjective

condemner \ kən-ˈde-mər

\ or condemnor \ kən-ˈde-mər

; kən-ˌdem-ˈnȯr , ˌkän- \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for condemn

criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly. criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions. criticized the police for using violence reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking. reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding. a Senator formally censured by his peers reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction. reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment. condemned the government's racial policies denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration. a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Examples of condemn in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Stewart didn’t hold back in an impassioned speech that ultimately went viral, condemning Congress for taking too long to extend the fund. — Rachel Yang, EW.com, "Jon Stewart reunites with Stephen Colbert to call out Mitch McConnell on 9/11 bill," 18 June 2019 Hywood—a fiery, compact woman prone to alternating between cooing lullabies to her rescues and vociferously condemning the cruelty of man—has rescued more than 180 pangolins since 2012. — Paul Hilton, National Geographic, "Poaching is sending the shy, elusive pangolin to its doom," 17 June 2019 And not be seen as leprous, or as condemned, or as diseased. — Keith Caulfield, Billboard, "'Broadway Bares' Performers Jay Armstrong Johnson & Christian Dante White Talk Stripping Down for Burlesque Benefit," 13 June 2019 As other condemned inmates do, Wilson requested a high-calorie meal: one medium thin-crust pizza with everything, 20 buffalo wings, one pint of butter pecan ice cream, some apple pie and grape juice. — Joshua Sharpe, ajc, "Georgia killer makes last meal request ahead of execution," 13 June 2019 Local Rosario city officials, members of the national government and opposition leaders condemned the attack. — Jta Staff, sun-sentinel.com, "Officials alarmed by anti-Semitic assaults in Argentina," 12 June 2019 Some fans and analysts didn’t criticize the United States for running up the score, but did condemn the U.S. for continuing to enthusiastically celebrate its goals even as the scoreline reached 11-0, 12-0 and finally 13-0. — Jamie Goldberg, oregonlive.com, "Did USA show smart strategy or poor sportsmanship in scoring 13 goals against Thailand in FIFA Women’s World Cup?," 11 June 2019 George Ryan cleared the state’s death row by commuting the sentences of inmates condemned to die to life in prison. — Megan Crepeau, chicagotribune.com, "Ex-girlfriend's recordings critical as trial to begin in earnest into disappearance of Chinese scholar at U. of I.," 11 June 2019 UC San Diego and Chancellor Khosla strongly condemn all forms of intimidation, harassment and discrimination and are committed to fostering a climate that is supportive of our students, staff and faculty. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "UCSD chancellor sued for allegedly discriminating against female executive," 7 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'condemn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.