condone

verb

con·done | \ kən-ˈdōn

condoned; condoning

Definition of condone

: to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless a government accused of condoning racism condone corruption in politics

Other Words from condone Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about condone

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Choose the Right Synonym for condone

excuse, condone, pardon, forgive mean to exact neither punishment nor redress. excuse may refer to specific acts especially in social or conventional situations or the person responsible for these. excuse an interruption excused them for interrupting Often the term implies extenuating circumstances. injustice excuses strong responses condone implies that one overlooks without censure behavior (such as dishonesty or violence) that involves a serious breach of a moral, ethical, or legal code, and the term may refer to the behavior or to the agent responsible for it. a society that condones alcohol but not narcotics pardon implies that one remits a penalty due for an admitted or established offense. pardon a criminal forgive implies that one gives up all claim to requital and to resentment or vengeful feelings. could not forgive their rudeness

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."

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 on the Web

Isn't that exactly what's happening to President Trump right now, that he's been out there and doing himself and condoning others to do? — Fox News, "Nation marks 17 years since attacks of Sept. 11," 12 Sep. 2018 Coaches, trainers, and others are barred from condoning, encouraging, or supplying the substances, according to the policy. — Martin Finucane, BostonGlobe.com, "Here’s a quick rundown on the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy," 7 June 2018 When that day comes, men like Rabbi Nosanchuk will be held up as cautionary examples of the worst kind of religious extremism: that which condones the murder of the innocent. — Guest Columnist/cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Science, not religion, should determine public policy on abortion: Joel Berry (Opinion)," 29 Apr. 2018 Although those condoning his actions are few and far between, many fans feel that the former England international deserves to be given a second chance. — SI.com, "Jamie Carragher Suspended by Sky Sports for the Rest of the Season Following Spit-Gate Controversy," 14 Mar. 2018 Her comments condone victim blaming and perpetuate the rape culture in our schools and society that are dangerous to all individuals. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "Trump Judicial Nominee Neomi Rao's Thoughts on Rape Are Sparking Major Controversy," 14 Jan. 2019 The Russia where anti-gay bullying at school is often condoned, and anti-gay violence rarely punished. — Angela Charlton, chicagotribune.com, "Hosting World Cup makes Russia more gay-friendly — for now," 29 June 2018 While most countries are queasy with the idea of germline editing, some would condone it under appropriate circumstances. — Jacqueline Detwiler, Popular Mechanics, "Legal vs. Illegal Gene Editing: Here's What's Banned, and Why," 4 Dec. 2018 Presenting objectionable views could suggest one is condoning them. — Christopher M. Finan, WSJ, "A Shameful Season for American Journalism," 24 Sep. 2018

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.