Condemning

Part of speech: verb, adjective

Definitions

1. Expressing severe criticism or disapproval of someone or something ; officially declaring a person or thing to be wrong, guilty, or unfit for use
2. Showing intense disapproval or censure in words or conduct ; pronouncing judgment that condemns a person or object as unacceptable or morally wrong
3. Voicing harsh blame or denunciation against an individual or action ; formally declaring that something is flawed, unacceptable, or condemned by law or authority

Etymology: "Condemning" is the present participle and adjective of "condemn," a verb that reaches English through Old French from the Latin "condemnare," meaning "to sentence" or "to pronounce guilty." The Latin prefix "com-" intensifies the sense, and "damnare," "to inflict loss or damage," supplies the core, so the verb began as a legal and judicial act: a court declared someone guilty and handed down a penalty. The word's meaning widened from the courtroom to ordinary speech. Once a judge had condemned a prisoner, the verb could also describe any formal pronouncement of disapproval, and from there it came to mean strong public criticism of an action, a policy or a person. Condemning remarks today rarely carry any legal consequence; they keep the old force of judgment without the sentence.

Synonyms: criticizing, denouncing, censuring, blaming, accusing

Antonyms: praising, approving, pardoning, forgiving, excusing