condemnation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a very strong statement that you think something is bad or wrong.
the formal expression of very strong disapproval; a public statement of censure.
Simple“The government's decision met with widespread condemnation from the public.”
In context“The international community issued a joint condemnation of the human rights violations, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities.”
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the act of officially judging someone to be guilty and giving them a punishment.
the judicial act of adjudging a person guilty or sentencing them to a specific punishment.
Simple“The prisoner awaited his final condemnation with a look of despair.”
In context“The judge's formal condemnation of the defendant followed a lengthy trial that had captivated the national media for months.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
an official order saying that a building is not safe to live in or use.
the official declaration that a structure or property is unfit for use or habitation, often leading to its closure or demolition.
Simple“The old apartment block faced condemnation after the inspectors found serious structural damage.”
In context“Following the earthquake, the city council issued a notice of condemnation for several historic buildings that were deemed structurally unsound.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
the legal process where the government takes private property for public use.
the legal process by which a public entity exercises the power of eminent domain to take private property for public utility.
Simple“The family fought the condemnation of their land for the new highway project.”
In context“The local authority initiated condemnation proceedings to acquire the necessary acreage for the expansion of the municipal airport.”
Synonymsexpropriationappropriation
“Then, he was a military commander in Bamiyan, where the Taliban blew up ancient giant Buddha statues, triggering international shock and condemnation.”
“Two high-profile cases that had spurred international condemnation of the country’s conduct in Gaza were transferred to the military police.”
From Middle English condempnacioun, from Latin condemnātiō, condemnātiōnem.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.