condemn

verb

con·demn kən-ˈdem

condemned; condemning; condemns

Synonyms of condemn

transitive verb

: to declare to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil usually after weighing evidence and without reservation

a policy widely condemned as racist

: to pronounce guilty : convict

: sentence, doom

condemn a prisoner to die

: to adjudge unfit for use or consumption

condemn an old apartment building

: to declare convertible to public use under the right of eminent domain

condemnable

kən-ˈdem-nə-bəl

-ˈde-mə-

adjective

condemnatory

kən-ˈdem-nə-ˌtȯr-ē

-ˈde-mə-

adjective

condemner

kən-ˈde-mər

noun

or condemnor

kən-ˈde-mər

kən-ˌdem-ˈnȯr,

ˌkän-

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of condemn in a Sentence

We strongly condemn this attack against our allies. The government condemns all acts of terrorism. The country condemns the use of violence on prisoners. The school condemns cheating, and any student caught cheating will be expelled. City officials condemned our apartment building and forced us to leave.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

There, the tyrannical February has condemned its inhabitants to eternal winter and forbids them from flying, while a masked resistance movement known as The Solution fights to restore light and freedom. — Alexandra Patterson, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026 His government has consistently avoided criticizing Morocco, but Sánchez condemned comments from two Moroccan ministers questioning the sovereignty of Ceuta and Melilla, another Spain's other territory in North Africa. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Top Republican and Democratic members of the panel condemned Black’s defiance and are weighing whether to hold him in contempt of Congress, a move that could expose him to criminal prosecution. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 House Democratic leadership is vowing repercussions for two centrists who blindsided Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) by joining with Republicans on Tuesday to force a vote on condemning socialism. — Hailey Bullis, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for condemn

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French condempner, from Latin condemnare, from com- + damnare to condemn — more at damn

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of condemn was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

Condé

condemn

condemnable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Condemn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condemn. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

condemn

verb

con·demn kən-ˈdem

: to declare to be wrong : censure

condemned their behavior

: to pronounce guilty : convict

: sentence entry 2 sense 1

: to declare to be unfit for use or consumption

a condemned building

condemnation

ˌkän-ˌdem-ˈnā-shən,

-dəm-

noun

condemner noun

or condemnor

kən-ˈdem-ər

Legal Definition

condemn

transitive verb

con·demn kən-ˈdem

: to impose a penalty on

especially : to sentence to death

: to adjudge unfit for use or consumption

: to declare convertible to public use under the right of eminent domain : take

condemnable

kən-ˈdem-nə-bəl, -ˈde-mə-

adjective

condemnation

ˌkän-ˌdem-ˈnā-shən

noun

condemner noun

or condemnor

kən-ˈde-mər, -ˈdem-ˌnȯr

condemn

verb

Synonyms of condemn

Examples of condemn in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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condemn

verb

Synonyms of condemn

Examples of condemn in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing condemn

Rhymes for condemn

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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