denounce

verb de·nounce \di-ˈnau̇n(t)s, dē-\

: 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

de·nouncedde·nounc·ing

Full Definition of DENOUNCE

transitive verb

: to pronounce especially publicly to be blameworthy or evil <they denounced him as a bigot>

archaic

a : proclaim

b : to announce threateningly

: to inform against : accuse

obsolete : portend

: to announce formally the termination of (as a treaty)

— de·nounce·ment \-ˈnau̇n(t)-smənt\ noun

— de·nounc·er noun

See denounce defined for English-language learners

See denounce defined for kids

Origin of DENOUNCE

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to DENOUNCE

Synonyms: anathematize, censure, damn, decry, condemn, execrate, reprehend, reprobate

Antonyms: bless

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>.

DENOUNCED Defined for Kids