Condemn
/kənˈdɛm/noun
To express strong disapproval of, typically in a formal statement.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, a condemned person could face execution, highlighting the word's deep ties to judgment and fate.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deḱm̥tós
“to give, to place, to put in a position of judgment.”
Latin
Latin
condemnare
“to inflict a penalty upon, to sentence.”
Old French
Old French
condemner
“to declare guilty, to pass a sentence.”
Middle English
Middle English
condemnen
“to declare to be wrong or evil.”
Modern English
English
condemn
“to express strong disapproval, especially in a moral context.”