Definition of condone
condoned
;condoning
transitive verb
: to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless a government accused of condoning racism condone corruption in politics
condoner
nounRead the Latest from M-W
condone was our Word of the Day on 09/20/2011. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Examples of condone in a Sentence
“I don't condone violence, and I think ‘gangsta rap’ should be outlawed,” says [designer Tommy] Hilfiger … —Joshua Levine, Forbes, 21 Apr. 1997
Without waiting for Momma's thanks, he rode out of the yard, sure that things were as they should be and that he was a gentle squire, saving those deserving serfs from the laws of the land, which he condoned. —Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969
And then she told him all—told him the truth word by word, without attempting to shield herself or condone her error. —Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan of the Apes, 1912
a government that has been accused of condoning racism
he is too quick to condone his friend's faults
Recent Examples of condone from the Web
-
Ted Cruz, a principled conservative who would never condone violence against the media, thirstily made some vague, nonsensical allusions suggesting that CNN may have committed a crime.
-
No one condoned what happened on Wednesday, no matter whether the shootings were truly motivated by political views or the actions of a deranged person with a gun.
-
Government officials frequently turned a blind eye or condoned the mob violence.
-
President Trump’s delight in violence against his opponents is something to isolate and condemn, not something to condone or emulate.
-
The high school administration was not aware of and does not condone any censorship of political views on the part of our students.
-
The findings suggest that the AAP guidelines, which condone keeping infants in their parents’ rooms for an entire year, may extend for longer than necessary.
-
The nations also allege that Qatar condones fundraising for terrorist networks and militant groups in Syria.
-
Racial or bigoted remarks, a membership in an organized group that condones such behavior or a defendant's admission can serve as evidence to bolster the allegation.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'condone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Since some folks don't condone even minor usage slips, you might want to get the meaning of this word straight. Although English speakers sometimes use "condone" with the intended meaning "approve of" or "encourage," the more established meaning is closer to "pardon" or "overlook." "Condone" comes from the Latin verb condonare, which means "to absolve." "Condonare" in turn combines the Latin prefix con-, indicating thoroughness, and donare, meaning "to give" or "to grant." Not surprisingly, "donare" is also the source of our words "donate" and "pardon."
Origin and Etymology of condone
Latin condonare to absolve, from com- + donare to give — more at donation
Synonym Discussion of condone
CONDONE Defined for English Language Learners
condone
playDefinition of condone for English Language Learners
-
: to forgive or approve (something that is considered wrong) : to allow (something that is considered wrong) to continue
CONDONE Defined for Kids
condone
Definition of condone for Students
condoned
condoning
: to treat (something bad) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless I can't condone his actions.
Law Dictionary
condone
playLegal Definition of condone
condoned
condoning
: to pardon or overlook voluntarily
Origin and Etymology of condone
Latin condonare to give away, absolve
Learn More about condone
-
See words that rhyme with condone Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for condone Spanish Central: Translation of condone Nglish: Translation of condone for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of condone for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up condone? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!