January 12, 2025 Word of the Day
condemns; condemned; condemning
Protesters holding signs condemning police actions
Definition of CONDEMN
[+ object]
1 : to say in a strong and definite way that someone or something is bad or wrong
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.
— often + for
People are condemning him for supporting the old government.
Voters condemned her for lying about her past.
— often + as
They were condemned as criminals/heretics/rebels/traitors.
The policy was condemned as racist.
2 a : to give (someone) a usually severe punishment — usually + to
The jury quickly convicted her and condemned [=sentenced] her to death.
— often used as (be) condemned
She was condemned to death.
a condemned man [=a man who has been sentenced to death]
2 b : to cause (someone) to suffer or live in difficult or unpleasant conditions — + to
His lack of education condemned him to a life of poverty.
— often used as (be) condemned
She was condemned to [=forced to live] a life of loneliness and suffering.
3 : to close (a building, house, etc.) for not being safe or clean enough for people to use
City officials condemned our apartment building and forced us to leave.
— often used as (be) condemned
The houses were condemned after floods caused extensive damage.
The condemned building was torn down.
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