B2verbformalpoliticssociety
US/kənˈdem/
UK/kənˈdem/
to say very strongly that something is wrong, or to sentence someone to a punishment
In context
World leaders condemned the attack as an act of terrorism.
The court condemned him to ten years in prison.
Poor children are often condemned to a life of poverty.
Words that go with condemn
verb + noun
- condemn violenceEveryone must condemn violence against children.
adverb + verb
- strongly condemnThe government strongly condemned the decision.
- publicly condemnSeveral groups publicly condemned the plan.
verb + preposition
- condemn to deathThe man was condemned to death in 1990.
- condemn asCritics condemned the film as offensive.
- condemn forShe was condemned for her harsh words.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
condemn him of stealingCorrect: condemn him for stealing