Whether you are an avid reader or a constant conversationalist, you have probably encountered new words several times. Sometimes, some words are not new to you, but you still do not know all their meanings. An example of such words is “condemn;” we will reveal every “condemn definition and meaning.”
Condemn means to sentence a person to death or eternal suffering. It also refers to declaring something or someone cursed, doomed, or damned. For instance, a building is condemned if it is doomed and no longer inhabitable. Condemn also means to scold someone or declare a practice prohibited.
Condemn is a popular English word that gets a lot of preference from writers, reporters, and regular English speakers. However, even with its popularity, many people do not know its meaning. Discover everything there is to know about this word and how you can use it in the sections below.
What is the Definition of Condemn?
“Condemn” refers to passing judgment or sentencing a person to punishment, like death or life long-suffering.
Whenever the word appears with this meaning, a severe crime has occurred. For instance, federal courts condemn theft, and guilty suspects end up serving years in jail as punishment.
Here are some examples in sentences:
- Samuel’s relatives wept passionately because the jury was fast to condemn him to death.
- The jury and the judge agreed to condemn the criminal for murder in the first degree.
- The United Nations and the United Christians Fellowship both condemn the inhumane practices in South Africa.
What is the Meaning of Condemn?
In addition to pronouncing someone guilty and sentencing them to punishment or death, “condemn” also means strongly disapproving, criticizing, or denouncing. It can be someone, something, a practice, or even the perpetrators.
Here are a few sentence examples:
- After a thorough investigation, the state decided to condemn the riparian property.
- It took years for the drug agency to condemn the unfit drug.
- The entire world came together to condemn the actions of the Russian government.
Other Meanings of Condemn
It is quite interesting to learn about words with more than one meaning. It is because you get to appreciate the broadness of the word and know how to use it in multiple contexts. Below are some of the common meanings of “condemn” and the contexts in which they are applied;
Meaning 1: Condemn means to deem something unfit for use or service after testing. It may also mean to deem a particular food or drink unfit for consumption. For instance, buildings that do not meet local architectural requirements are usually condemned. That means they are unsafe for inhabitation. In a sentence, “The tenants were asked to vacate the apartments after the state decided to condemn them.”
Meaning 2: Condemn also refers to speaking of something or someone with strong disapproval. It implies that the person or item is formally judged as wrong or unacceptable. In a sentence, “By universal agreement, all nations voted to condemn racism.” That means racism is illegal and banned.
Meaning 3: In religion, to condemn means to doom someone to eternal punishment in hell. In a sentence, “All condemned sinners will offer excuses, which the Lord will not listen to at the final judgment.”
Meaning 4: In law, condemn means declaring a vessel forfeited to the government or authority as a prize or because it is unfit for public service. In a sentence, “The state villagers voted to condemn the piece of land with active volcanic activity.” Condemn also means determining and declaring a property to be assigned to public use.
Word That Rhyme With Condemn
Rhyming words are those that sound alike. They are classified as full or end rhyming words. Full rhymes sound the same from start to finish, like “their” and “there.”
End rhyming words sound the same at the end, like “condemned” and “begged.” In other words, these words have similar syllables. Learning rhyming words come in handy when composing music or poetry.
Here are examples of words that rhyme with condemn.
- Stem
- Phlegm
- Hem
- Gem
- Barbarism
- Mayhem
- Racism
- Ahem
- Autem
- Them
- Solemn
- Femme
- Montem
- Indemn
- Morem
- Redstem
- Sebum
- Lorem
- Abysm
- Aneurysm
- Algorithm
- Modem
- Nonstem
How to Use Condemn in a Sentence
You can use condemn in various contexts. For instance, you can use it as a transitive verb meaning “to determine and declare a property uninhabitable.”
The context and meaning you wish to portray will determine how you use this word in a sentence. You will benefit from studying and apprehending the meanings explained in the sections above before attempting to use “condemn” in sentences.
More so, knowing the antonyms and synonyms of this word allows you to know how to best use the word, especially where alternative words are required to keep the context understandable.
Synonyms of Condemn
These are words with the same meaning and can be used interchangeably. Synonyms usually differ depending on the context. Some of the popular synonyms of “condemn” are;
- Censure
- Criticize
- Doom
- Denounce
- Reproach
- Reprove
- Blame
- Chide
- Disparage
- Hammer
- Fault
- Arraign
- Belittle
- Reprimand
- Castigate
- Attack
- Knock
- Deplore
- Execrate
- Deplore
- Disapprove
- Denunciate
- Pronounce
- Judge
- Name
- Anathematize
- Frame
- Sentence
- Adjudge
- Cane
- Depreciate
- Proscribe
- Prohibit
- Loathe
- Dislike
- Disesteem
- Resist
- Disfavor
- Shun
- Spurn
- Discommend
- Abominate
Antonyms of Condemn
These are words with contrary meanings. Learning the antonyms and synonyms of new words helps you expand your vocabulary. It also enhances your writing and conversation skills. Here are a few antonyms of “condemn.”
- Praise
- Approve
- Bless
- Endorse
- Compliment
- Condone
- Discharge
- Exalt
- Free
- Release
- Pardon
- Admire
- Magnify
- Glorify
- Extol
- Cite
- Boost
- Hail
- Salute
- Idolize
- Honor
- Revere
Examples of Condemn in a Sentence
Constructing sentences is a crucial step in learning new words. However, doing so can be hard without checking out some sentence examples where the word is applied. These sentences help you understand how to apply the word in various contexts. They also help drill in the word’s meanings. Most people understand better when with examples. Here are some of them.
- I was tempted to condemn him for his behavior towards the girl until I heard her blatant response.
- Netflix should learn from platforms like Hulu and Apple T.V.; they all brazenly condemn racist language in their programs.
- I did not use the article to condemn anyone; it was a think-piece.
- I condemn the state of Texas for not responding appropriately to the issue of gun violence when it started.
- The Bible does not condemn any other religion, nor does it encourage any form of hate.
- True religion does not condemn anyone; it mainly focuses on love.
- After a thorough inspection, the state decided to condemn the billion-dollar building.
- Since the government prohibited racism, they should also condemn xenophobia.
- Why do we nonchalantly condemn people of the older generation as racists and bigots for using the language of their day?
- He did not condemn the new administration but rather gave them some constructive criticism
- The prisoner was condemned to 20 years in prison for the sale and distribution of cocaine.
How Do You Spell Condemn?
The proper spelling for this word is “C.O.N.D.E.M.N.”
One of the greatest common mistakes people make when spelling condemn is leaving out the last letter. They do this because it is not usually pronounced. The trick to memorizing the spelling of a new word is writing it repeatedly.
How Do You Pronounce Condemn?
The word condemn is pronounced as “\kuhn-dem\” or “\kən-ˈdem\.“
Despite its slightly complicated spelling, this word is effortless to articulate. Listen to Google or online dictionary audio of its pronunciation, and you will learn how to say it pretty fast. Learning pronunciation for new words will help you use them in conversations and oral presentations.
How Many Syllables Are in Condemn?
The word condemn has two syllables.
The two syllables are “-con and -demn.” The first syllable is pronounced as “-kuhn” and the second one is pronounced as “-dem.” The stressed syllable in the word is “-demn.”
History and Etymology of Condemn
This word comes from an old French word, “condempnen,” meaning to blame or censure. It also has Latin roots.
This word also originated from the early 14th-century old French “condamner, condemner,” meaning to condemn. It is also sourced directly from Latin “condemnare, condempnare,” meaning to sentence, doom, blame, or disapprove of something or someone.
When was Condemn First Used?
This word was first used in the late 14th century as “hold to be reprehensible or intolerable.”
In the late 14th century, this word described an occasion for condemnation or to bear witness against. From the early 17th century, the word adopted a new meaning “to adjudge or pronounce something as forfeited to the state or an authority as a prize of war.”
In 1795, speakers began using “condemn” to “pronounce a building or something unfit for use or service.” In 1833, the word gained popularity in American English, where it was used to “declare a property or land for potential public use.”
Conclusion
To condemn means to pronounce judgment upon someone, something, or a behavior. It also means to reprimand or scold someone, to declare something unfit for use or service, or render something for public use or to state ownership.
We can now agree that the word has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts. We recommend reading this condemn definition, meaning, and usage post to apply the word next time you use it efficiently.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.