What does condemning mean? Explained

Pronunciation

/kənˈdɛmɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To express strong disapproval or condemnation of something or someone, often in a formal or official manner.

Examples

• The government condemned the terrorist attack.
• The human rights organization condemned the country’s treatment of its citizens.

Synonyms

• Denounce
• Decry

Antonyms

• Approve
• Endorse

Additional Information

Condemning something or someone is a strong expression of disapproval, often used in formal or official contexts. It can be used to express moral or ethical disapproval, or to condemn an action or situation as unacceptable or unjust. Condemnation can take many forms, including public statements, official sanctions, or legal action.

In addition to its literal meaning, condemning can also be used figuratively to express strong disapproval or disappointment. For example, someone might condemn a friend’s behavior as unacceptable, or condemn a particular situation as unfair or unjust.

Etymology

The verb “condemn” comes from the Latin “condemnare,” meaning “to sentence” or “to condemn.” It has been used in English since the 14th century to express strong disapproval or condemnation.

Usage Notes

Condemning can be used in a variety of contexts, including formal or official settings, public statements, or personal conversations. It is often used to express strong disapproval or moral outrage, and can be used to condemn actions, situations, or individuals.

Cultural References

Condemning has been used in a variety of cultural and historical contexts, including in politics, law, and social justice movements. For example, the civil rights movement in the United States used condemnation as a key tactic to challenge segregation and discrimination.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Condemn out of hand
• Condemn to death

Related Words or Phrases

• Denounce
• Decry
• Criticize

Collocations

• Condemn someone/something to death
• Condemn a policy/law/action

Frequency of Use

Condemning is a relatively common verb in modern English, often used in formal or official contexts to express strong disapproval or condemnation.

Common Misspellings

• Condem
• Condmn