condemn

[kənˈdɛm]

condemn Definition

  • 1express complete disapproval of, typically in public; censure
  • 2sentence (someone) to a particular punishment, especially death.
  • 3declare (something) to be unfit for use.

Using condemn: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "condemn" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The government condemned the terrorist attack and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice.

  • Example

    The court condemned him to life imprisonment for his crimes.

  • Example

    The building was condemned as unsafe and had to be demolished.

  • Example

    I condemn your behavior as unacceptable.

condemn Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for condemn

Idioms Using condemn

  • a damning indictment/verdict

    a statement or decision that strongly condemns someone or something

    Example

    The report was a damning indictment of the company's safety procedures.

  • damned if you do, damned if you don't

    a situation in which whatever action you take will have negative consequences

    Example

    If I tell the truth, I'll get in trouble. If I lie, I'll feel guilty. I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't.

  • used to say that someone has appeared just as you were talking about them

    Example

    I was just telling my friend about how I haven't seen John in years, and speak of the devil, there he is!

Phrases with condemn

  • sentence someone to death as a punishment

    Example

    The judge condemned the murderer to death.

  • condemn someone/something out of hand

    reject or dismiss someone or something completely and immediately

    Example

    He condemned the proposal out of hand, without even considering its merits.

  • condemn someone/something to oblivion

    cause someone or something to be forgotten or ignored completely

    Example

    The film was condemned to oblivion by critics and audiences alike.

Origins of condemn

from Latin 'condemnare', from 'con-' (expressing intensive force) + 'damnare' (to condemn)

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Summary: condemn in Brief

To 'condemn' [kənˈdɛm] is to express complete disapproval of someone or something, often publicly. It can also mean to sentence someone to a particular punishment, such as death, or declare something unfit for use. Examples include 'The government condemned the terrorist attack' and 'The building was condemned as unsafe.' Idioms like 'a damning indictment' and 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' highlight the severity of condemnation.

How do native speakers use this expression?