Condemns
/kənˈdɛmz/
verbB2third person singular present tense
Definition
To condemn means to say publicly and clearly that something is wrong, bad, or not allowed. It is often used when someone feels strongly that an action or behavior should be criticized or punished. For example, a government may condemn violence or unfair treatment.
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See It in Action
To officially say something is wrong or bad
- •The government condemns all forms of violence.
- •The teacher condemns cheating on tests.
- •Many people condemn pollution because it harms the Earth.
To express strong disapproval or blame
- •She condemns the unfair treatment of workers.
- •The organization condemns any action that breaks human rights.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "condemns" like "says no" but much stronger and more serious—it is like officially telling that something is very bad.
- ✓Picture a judge in a courtroom saying a person is guilty and must be punished.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see something unfair and you want to say loudly, "This is wrong!"
- ✓Sounds like "con-DAMNS" → imagine someone putting a "damn" (strong no) on bad behavior.
- ✓Think of news reports where leaders condemn crimes or bad actions to show they do not accept them.
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (which means to not pay attention), "condemns" means to pay strong attention and say it is wrong.
- ✓NOT like "disagree" (which can be polite), "condemns" is much stronger and often public.
- ✓NOT like "forgive" (which means to accept and let go), "condemns" means to blame and criticize.
Try Other Words
- •Criticizes: says something is bad (Use when the disapproval is less formal or less strong)
- •Denounces: publicly says something is very wrong (Use when you want to sound formal and strong, similar to "condemns")
- •Rejects: refuses to accept something (Use when the focus is on not accepting, rather than blaming)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "con-" (with, together) + root "demn" from Latin "damnare" meaning "to damage or blame" + verb ending "-s" for third person singular
- •Etymology: From Latin "condemnare," meaning to sentence or declare guilty
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to mean declaring someone guilty or expressing strong disapproval
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in news, law, and everyday speech to show strong public disapproval or judgment
Reflect & Connect
•When is it important to condemn an action, and when might it be better to try to understand it?
•How can condemning something publicly affect the people involved or the wider community?
Fill in the blanks
1.The mayor condemns ___ because it causes harm to innocent people.
2.When a leader condemns an action, they usually want to ___ it stopped quickly.
3.Condemns is stronger than just saying "I don't like it"; it shows ___ disapproval.
4.People often condemn behavior that goes against ___ or laws.
5.Unlike forgiving, to condemn means to ___ someone or something publicly.
6.The teacher condemns cheating and expects students to ___ honest work.
7.When a country condemns another's actions, it often leads to ___ between them.