denounce

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

Updated on: 12 Apr 2018

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

—

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.

Recent Examples of denounce from the Web

Media, human rights groups, and the Roman Catholic Church (the Philippines is a majority-Catholic country) have all denounced the killings.

— jessica mendoza, The Christian Science Monitor, "The Duterte dissonance: One leader, two Philippines?," 6 Apr. 2018
Both Waukesha County Circuit Court Branch 12 judicial candidates firmly pledged to lock up dangerous criminals and denounced legislating from the bench.

— jane ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Lau wins by a sliver in hotly contested Waukesha County judicial race," 3 Apr. 2018
The play has been roundly denounced over the years for allegedly perpetuating ugly stereotypes of gay men as self-hating and pathological.

— albert williams, Chicago Reader, "Archive Dive / Arts / LGBT / Theater A year before Stonewall, there was The Boys in the Band, the first successful mainstream play with all gay characters," 26 Mar. 2018
Here are 5 storylines for the 2018 MLB season PETA denounces Rangers' Perez.

— david humphrey, star-telegram, "Bobbleheads, $1 hot dogs, fireworks add spice to Texas Rangers 2018 promotions | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 23 Mar. 2018
Trump has repeatedly denounced large deficits with trading partners, none of which is bigger than the one with China.

— don lee, The Seattle Times, "China’s ‘warning shot,’ U.S. moves signal possible trade war," 19 Jan. 2018
Haiti’s response to Trump’s remarks Haiti denounced Trump’s remarks in a statement from President Jovenel Moise’s administration.

— sarah gray, Fortune, "5 Key Things to Know About Haiti After Donald Trump's Insult," 12 Jan. 2018
Scientology was founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1952, and is frequently denounced as a cult.

— tara isabella burton, Vox, "The Church of Scientology has launched a TV channel. It’s weirdly familiar.," 22 Mar. 2018
At the same time, the governor denounced the Trump administration's plan to open nearly 90 percent of offshore federal waters to oil drilling.

— megan geuss, Ars Technica, "New York commits $1.4 billion to renewable energy projects," 12 Mar. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of denounce

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

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First Known Use: 13th century

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denounce Synonyms

Phrases

come down hard (on), find fault (with), take to task;

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