condemn

[kənˈdɛm]

condemn Definition

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

Synonyms for condemn

• criticize
• denounce
• disapprove
• reprimand
• chastise

Antonyms for condemn

• praise
• commend

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.

• speak of the devil and he appears

  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

• condemn to death

  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.