Condemn means to say very strongly that something is wrong or bad. It’s a way of showing you disapprove and that you think the action or situation should not be accepted.
People often use it when they’re angry or upset about injustice. A friend might condemn cheating on a test, a city council might condemn unsafe buildings, or a leader might condemn violence after a protest. It’s a clear, strong “I’m against this” statement.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- The mayor condemned the vandalism downtown and promised tougher laws.
- Parents condemned the school’s decision to cut art classes.
- Human-rights groups condemned the new policy as unfair.
Context / Common Use
You’ll hear “condemn” in news headlines, speeches, and social media when someone wants to take a firm stand. It’s stronger than “criticize” and shows the speaker wants action or change.
What’s the difference between condemn and criticize?
Criticize points out flaws; condemn adds a moral judgment and calls for rejection or punishment.
Can you condemn a person?
Yes, you can condemn a person’s actions or decisions, but it’s more common to condemn the act itself.
Is condemn always negative?
Almost always. It signals strong disapproval and is rarely used in a positive way.
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