denounce

verb de·nounce \ di-ˈnau̇n(t)s , dē- \

Definition of denounce

denounced; denouncing

transitive verb

1 :to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil

they denounced him as a bigot

Others might cry or get bent out of shape when their personal tastes are denounced and ridiculed, but not him …
—David Sedaris

2 archaic

a :proclaim

b :to announce threateningly

3 :to inform (see inform 2) against :accuse

was denounced to the authorities

4 obsolete :portend

5 :to announce formally the termination of (something, such as a treaty)

denounced the arrangement with their former ally

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denouncement

play \-ˈnau̇n(t)-smənt\ noun

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denouncer

noun

See denounce defined for English-language learners

See denounce defined for kids

Examples of denounce in a Sentence

The government called on the group to denounce the use of violence.
The film was denounced for the way it portrayed its female characters.

Origin and Etymology of denounce

Middle English, from Anglo-French denuncier to proclaim, from Latin denuntiare, from de- + nuntiare to report — more at announce

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

denounce Synonyms

Synonyms

anathematize, censure, damn, decry, condemn, execrate, reprehend, reprobate

Antonyms

bless

Related Words

attack, blame, blast, criticize, dis (also diss) [slang], dispraise, fault, knock, pan, slam; belittle, deprecate, disparage; doom, sentence; convict; blacklist, excommunicate, ostracize; castigate, chastise, rebuke, reprimand, reproach; admonish, chide, reprove; berate, lambaste (or lambast), rake, scold, upbraid, vituperate; curse, imprecate; abhor, abominate, detest, hate, loathe, revile

Near Antonyms

approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction; eulogize, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, praise; acclaim, applaud, commend, hail, salute, tout; consecrate, hallow, sanctify; honor, revere, venerate

Synonym Discussion of denounce

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

DENOUNCE Defined for English Language Learners

denounce

verb

Definition of denounce for English Language Learners

: to publicly state that someone or something is bad or wrong : to criticize (someone or something) harshly and publicly
: to report (someone) to the police or other authorities for illegal or immoral acts