condemn

/kən'dem/
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condemn

The county condemned the land to build a highway.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To express strong disapproval of; to declare something as wrong or evil: This is the most common meaning, indicating a formal or severe judgment against actions, ideas, or situations.
    • To pronounce a judicial sentence upon someone; to sentence: Used in legal contexts to state the punishment for a convicted person.
    • To declare something unfit for use or habitation: Often used by officials to state that a building, vehicle, or item is unsafe and must not be used.
    • To force someone into an unfortunate state or situation: To be the cause of someone having to endure something unpleasant.
    • To demonstrate the guilt of someone: To provide evidence or circumstances that clearly show someone is guilty.
Usage Examples
  • Expressing Disapproval:
    • World leaders were quick to condemn the terrorist attack.
    • The statement condemns all forms of discrimination.
  • Pronouncing a Sentence:
    • The judge condemned the murderer to life imprisonment.
    • He was condemned to death for his crimes.
  • Declaring Unfit for Use:
    • The old factory was condemned after the inspection.
    • The health department condemned the restaurant for numerous violations.
  • Forcing into a State:
    • His lack of education condemned him to a life of poverty.
    • A knee injury condemned the athlete to watching from the sidelines.
Advanced Usage
  • "Condemn someone/something as...": To label or describe someone/something in a strongly negative way.
    • The policy was widely condemned as unjust.
  • "Condemn someone/something for (doing) something": To express strong disapproval about a specific action.
    • She was condemned for her harsh treatment of the staff.
  • "Condemn someone to something": To force someone into a specific, usually bad, fate or situation.
    • The economic crisis condemned many families to hardship.
Variants and Related Words
  • Condemnation (n): The act of condemning or the state of being condemned.
    • The proposal faced widespread condemnation.
  • Condemnable (adj): Deserving condemnation.
    • His actions were utterly condemnable.
  • Condemned (adj): Officially declared unfit for use; or, sentenced to punishment.
    • They entered the condemned building at their own risk.
    • The condemned man awaited his execution.
Synonyms
  • Denounce: To publicly declare something to be wrong or evil.
  • Censure: To express severe disapproval, often formally.
  • Sentence: To declare the punishment decided for a convicted person (legal context).
  • Decry: To publicly denounce.
Related Phrases
  • "Condemn out of hand": To reject or disapprove of something immediately without proper consideration.
    • We shouldn't condemn the plan out of hand; let's examine it first.
condemn

The county condemned the land to build a highway.

Verb
  1. appropriate (property) for public use
    • the county condemned the land to build a highway
  2. pronounce a sentence on (somebody) in a court of law
    • He was condemned to ten years in prison
  3. demonstrate the guilt of (someone)
    • Her strange behavior condemned her
  4. compel or force into a particular state or activity
    • His devotion to his sick wife condemned him to a lonely existence
  5. declare or judge unfit for use or habitation
    • The building was condemned by the inspector
  6. express strong disapproval of
    • We condemn the racism in South Africa
    • These ideas were reprobated