1
Core action
Express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
Example
Leaders across the region condemned the attack.
condemn
/kənˈdem/ · kun-DEMverb
Express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
Use condemn to express this relationship precisely: express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
What condemn Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The inquiry condemned the practice as unsafe and discriminatory.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
To explain an action is not necessarily to condemn it.
Use condemn Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Leaders across the region condemned the attack.
The inquiry condemned the practice as unsafe and discriminatory.
To explain an action is not necessarily to condemn it.
Precision Matters
Condemn overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
condemn
vs.Means express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
commend
Means praise or express approval of someone or something, especially for a worthy action or quality.
condemn
vs.Means express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
condone
Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
condemn
vs.Means express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
reprieve
Means a temporary cancellation, postponement, or relief from punishment, danger, or an unpleasant situation.
condemn
vs.Means express strong disapproval of something as wrong, harmful, or unacceptable; sometimes formally sentence someone to punishment.
castigate
Means reprimand or criticize someone severely for wrongdoing or failure.
Test condemn in Context
The panel expresses strong formal disapproval of the wrongdoing.
1
The ethics panel will ___ the deliberate fabrication of evidence as a serious violation.