Condemn
/kənˈdɛm/
verbB2
Definition
Condemn means to express strong disapproval or criticism of a person, action, or idea because it is seen as wrong or harmful. It can also mean to officially declare a building or object unsafe and order it to be removed or destroyed. People often condemn bad behavior or dangerous places.
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⚡ See It in Action
To say something is very bad or wrong, often publicly
- •The government condemned the violent attack.
- •Many people condemned the use of child labor.
- •The teacher condemned cheating on the exam.
To officially declare a building or place unsafe and order it to be closed or destroyed
- •The old factory was condemned because it was dangerous.
- •After the fire, the building was condemned by the city.
- •They condemned the house due to structural damage.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "condemn" like "say no" or "disapprove," but much stronger and more serious—like a judge saying something is very bad
- ✓Picture a judge in a courtroom saying loudly, "This is wrong!" or a city official putting a big red sign on a broken building that says "Do not use"
- ✓It's the feeling when you see something unfair or harmful and say it should stop immediately
- ✓Sounds like "con-DAMN" → imagine someone damning (blocking) a river because it is dangerous, stopping it completely
- ✓Think of stories where a hero condemns a villain’s bad actions or when a town condemns an old, unsafe house to protect people
- ✓NOT like "dislike" (which is mild), "condemn" is very strong, serious judgment
- ✓NOT like "reject" (which can be polite), "condemn" often shows strong moral or official judgment
- ✓NOT like "approve" (which means agree or accept), "condemn" is the opposite: strong refusal or blame
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Denounce: to publicly say something is very bad or wrong (Use when emphasizing public or formal criticism)
- •Censure: to express strong disapproval, often officially (Use in formal or official contexts)
- •Disapprove: to not agree with or like something (Use when the feeling is less strong than condemn)
- •Reject: to refuse to accept or agree with something (Use when focusing on refusal rather than strong moral judgment)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "con-" (together, strongly) + "demn" (from Latin "damnare" meaning to condemn or blame)
- •Etymology: From Latin "condemnare," meaning to sentence or declare guilty
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to mean blaming or sentencing someone for a crime or fault
- •Modern usage: Used to express strong disapproval or official judgment, both in moral and legal contexts
- •Key insight: The word carries a strong feeling of judgment, often public or official, not just a small complaint
💭 Reflect & Connect
•When is it important to condemn an action or behavior, and when might it be better to understand or forgive?
•How does condemning something publicly affect the people involved or the community?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The mayor condemned the ___ because it caused harm to many people.
2.After the inspection, the old building was condemned ___ it was unsafe to live in.
3.People often condemn actions that ___ others or break important rules.
4.She condemned the decision ___ it was unfair to the workers.
5.The city condemned the house and ordered it to be ___ before someone got hurt.
6.Unlike simple disagreement, to condemn something means to express ___ disapproval.
7.When a government condemns a practice, it usually wants it to ___ immediately.