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verb C2 Proficient Uncommon

denounce

dee-NOWNS

Denounce (verb) means to publicly criticize or condemn someone or something as wrong. Example: “The senator denounced the decision as a betrayal of voters.”

verb
1
To publicly criticize or condemn someone or something as wrong.
"The senator denounced the decision as a betrayal of voters."
"Human rights groups denounced the crackdown on protesters."
2
To formally accuse or inform against someone.
"He was denounced to the authorities by a former colleague."

How to use denounce

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo speak out strongly against something, or to formally accuse someone.

Common pairings
publicly denounce denounce as denounce the attack

Word forms

denounced past tense, denounces singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The senator _____ the decision as a betrayal of voters.

Etymology

From Old French denuncier, from Latin dēnūntiō, "to announce or threaten."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for denounce

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Frequently asked questions

What does “denounce” mean?

The word “denounce” means to publicly criticize or condemn someone or something as wrong. In plain terms, to speak out strongly against something, or to formally accuse someone.

How do you pronounce “denounce”?

“Denounce” is pronounced dee-NOWNS (/diˈnaʊns/ in IPA).

How do you use “denounce” in a sentence?

Here is “denounce” used in a sentence: “The senator denounced the decision as a betrayal of voters.”

What part of speech is “denounce”?

“Denounce” is a verb.

Where does the word “denounce” come from?

The word “denounce” comes from Latin. From Old French denuncier, from Latin dēnūntiō, "to announce or threaten.".

Is “denounce” a common word?

“Denounce” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

How many meanings does “denounce” have?

“Denounce” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to publicly criticize or condemn someone or something as wrong.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial