Definition

1. Verb:
   • To praise, glorify, or honor someone or something highly, often in a formal or public manner.
   • To express strong approval or admiration for.

Usage

• The verb "laud" is typically used in formal, literary, or religious contexts. It describes the act of giving high praise.
• It is a transitive verb, so it must be followed by a direct object (the person or thing being praised).
• Common structures: "to laud someone/something" or "to laud someone for something."

Examples

• The critics lauded the director's latest film for its originality.
• The president lauded the bravery of the emergency responders in his speech.
• His achievements were lauded by the entire scientific community.

Advanced Usage

• "to laud someone to the skies": To praise someone excessively or extravagantly.
  • The fans lauded the new singer to the skies, calling her a once-in-a-generation talent.

Variants and Related Words

• Laudable (adj): Deserving praise; commendable.
  • Her laudable efforts to help the community did not go unnoticed.
• Laudation (n): The act of praising; high commendation.
  • The ceremony was filled with laudation for the retiring professor.
• Laudatory (adj): Expressing praise and commendation.
  • The book received laudatory reviews from major newspapers.

Synonyms

• Praise
• Extol
• Acclaim
• Commend
• Glorify

Antonyms

• Criticize
• Condemn
• Denounce
• Censure
• Disparage

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Sing someone's/something's praises": To praise someone or something enthusiastically and publicly. (This is a common idiom with a similar meaning to "laud.")
  • He is always singing the praises of his new assistant.

Verb

1. praise, glorify, or honor
   • extol the virtues of one's children
   • glorify one's spouse's cooking