Condemnatory

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Expressing strong disapproval or censure of someone or something
2. Being characterized by a strong expression of disapproval or reproach towards certain actions, behaviors, or individuals
3. Showing clear disapproval and blame toward a person or action

Etymology: "Condemnatory" is a simple formation: it takes the stem of Latin "condemnāre" (to condemn, literally to damn together, from "con-" meaning "with" or "altogether" and "damnāre" meaning "to harm or damn") and adds the English suffix "-ory," which marks something that serves to perform or express an action. A condemnatory statement, in other words, is one that does the work of condemning. The Latin root "damnāre" also gave English "damn," and the same idea of legal judgment runs through both words. The Latin verb was used for pronouncing a sentence against someone in court, so the original sense was closer to formal sentencing than to casual disapproval. The English adjective carries that legal flavour into everyday criticism of people and actions.

Synonyms: critical, accusatory, blaming, denunciatory, censuring

Antonyms: supportive, praising, approving, complimentary, defending