Condemn Meaning
/kənˈdɛm/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo strongly criticise or denounce; to excoriate.
verbTo judicially pronounce (someone) guilty.
Sentence Examples
The doctors were wrong to condemn the couple.
Today, most people in the world condemn slavery.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The judge will ____ the criminal for his violent actions in court.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We strongly ____ the terrible act of violence committed yesterday.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English condempnen, from Old French condamner, from Latin condemnāre (“to sentence, condemn, blame”), from com- + damnāre (“to harm, condemn, damn”), from damnum (“damage, injury, loss”). Displaced native Middle English fordemen (from Old English fordeman (“condemn, sentence, doom”) > Modern English fordeem.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Ignorant and ſuperſtitious wretches meaſure the actions of letterd and philoſophical men by the tattle of their nurſes or illiterate parents and companions, or by the faſhion of the country : and people of differing religions judge and condemn each other by their own tenents ; when both of them cannot be in the right, and it is well if either of them are."
— 1722, William Wollaston, “Sect. V. Truths relating to the Deity. Of his exiſtence, perfection, providence, &c.”, in The Religion of Nature Delineated, page 81:
"There was a massive slaughter of W.R. steam power at the conclusion of the summer timetable. In all, 169 locomotives were condemned."
— 1962 December, “Motive Power Miscellany: Western Region”, in Modern Railways, page 425:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The judge will ____ the criminal for his violent actions in court.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We strongly ____ the terrible act of violence committed yesterday.