First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1censure
noun cen·sure \ˈsen(t)-shər\
: official strong criticism
Full Definition of CENSURE
1
: a judgment involving condemnation
3
: the act of blaming or condemning sternly
4
: an official reprimand
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Origin of CENSURE
Latin censura, from censēre
Related to CENSURE
- Synonyms
- commination, condemnation, denunciation, excoriation, objurgation, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reproof, riot act, stricture
- Antonyms
- citation, commendation, endorsement (also indorsement)
2censure
verb
: to officially criticize (someone or something) strongly and publicly
cen·suredcen·sur·ing \ˈsen(t)-sh(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of CENSURE
transitive verb
2
: to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy
— cen·sur·er \ˈsen(t)-shər-ər\ noun
See censure defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CENSURE
1587
Related to CENSURE
Synonym Discussion of CENSURE
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>.
CENSURE Defined for Kids
1censure
noun cen·sure \ˈsen-shər\
Definition of CENSURE for Kids
1
: the act of finding fault with or blaming
2
: an official criticism
2censure
verb
cen·suredcen·sur·ing
Definition of CENSURE for Kids
: to find fault with especially publicly
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