condemn
kuhn-DEHM
Condemn (verb) means to strongly criticise something as wrong or unacceptable. Example: “World leaders condemned the attack as an act of terrorism.”
verb
1
To strongly criticise something as wrong or unacceptable.
"World leaders condemned the attack as an act of terrorism."
"The charity condemned the government's new policy on refugees."
"Teachers and parents alike condemned the bullying that had been going on at the school."
2
To officially declare a building unsafe for use.
"The old warehouse was condemned after the inspection found structural cracks."
"The council condemned the crumbling flats and told every tenant to move out."
"Inspectors will condemn any bridge that is no longer safe to cross."
3
To sentence someone to a punishment, especially death.
"He was condemned to life imprisonment for the crime."
"The court condemned the fraudster to ten years in prison."
"In the story, the king condemned the thief to a lifetime of hard labour."
How to use condemn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo strongly disapprove of something publicly, to officially declare something unfit for use, or to sentence someone.
Common pairings
condemn an attack
condemned building
condemn to death
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- condemns
- Past tense
- condemned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
World leaders _____ the attack as an act of terrorism.
Etymology
From Old French condamner, from Latin condemnare ("to sentence, blame"), from com- plus damnare ("to condemn, harm"), from damnum ("damage, loss").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “condemn” mean?
The word “condemn” means to strongly criticise something as wrong or unacceptable. In plain terms, to strongly disapprove of something publicly, to officially declare something unfit for use, or to sentence someone.
How do you pronounce “condemn”?
“Condemn” is pronounced kuhn-DEHM (/kənˈdɛm/ in IPA).
How do you use “condemn” in a sentence?
Here is “condemn” used in a sentence: “World leaders condemned the attack as an act of terrorism.”
What part of speech is “condemn”?
“Condemn” is a verb.
Where does the word “condemn” come from?
The word “condemn” comes from Latin. From Old French condamner, from Latin condemnare ("to sentence, blame"), from com- plus damnare ("to condemn, harm"), from damnum ("damage, loss").
Is “condemn” a common word?
“Condemn” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “condemn” have?
“Condemn” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to strongly criticise something as wrong or unacceptable.
What is the difference between condemn and criticize?
Condemn involves strongly criticizing something as wrong or unacceptable, carrying more moral force than criticize, which can refer to any evaluation of faults, whether mild or severe. Condemn is typically reserved for serious moral, legal, or ethical judgments.
What does it mean when a building is condemned?
When a building is condemned, it has been officially declared unsafe for use, usually by a government or building authority, meaning it can no longer legally be occupied.
How is condemn used in a legal context?
In a legal context, condemn can mean to sentence someone to a punishment, especially death, reflecting its formal and serious tone across all of its senses, from moral criticism to official rulings.
