First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
condemn
verb con·demn \kən-ˈdem\
: to say in a strong and definite way that someone or something is bad or wrong
: to give (someone) a usually severe punishment
: to cause (someone) to suffer or live in difficult or unpleasant conditions
Full Definition of CONDEMN
transitive verb
1
: to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation <a policy widely condemned as racist>
3
: to adjudge unfit for use or consumption <condemn an old apartment building>
4
: to declare convertible to public use under the right of eminent domain
— con·dem·nable \-ˈdem-nə-bəl, -ˈde-mə-\ adjective
— con·dem·na·to·ry \-ˈdem-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˈde-mə-\ adjective
— con·demn·er \-ˈde-mər\ or con·dem·nor \kən-ˈde-mər; kən-ˌdem-ˈnȯr, ˌkän-\ noun
See condemn defined for English-language learners
See condemn defined for kids
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Origin of CONDEMN
Middle English, from Anglo-French condempner, from Latin condemnare, from com- + damnare to condemn — more at damn
Related to CONDEMN
Synonym Discussion of CONDEMN
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>.
CONDEMNED Defined for Kids
condemn
verb con·demn \kən-ˈdem\
con·demnedcon·demn·ing
Definition of CONDEMN for Kids
1
: to cause to suffer or live in difficult or unpleasant conditions <She was condemned to spend her summer in a cast.>
2
: to sentence to a usually severe punishment <The criminals were condemned and punished.>
3
: to declare to be wrong <School policy condemns cheating.>
4
: to declare to be unfit for use <condemn a house>
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