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condemnation

n.
US //ˌkɑndəmˈneɪʃən// UK //kɒndɪmnˈeɪʃən// con·dem·na·tion
  1. 1 strong disapproval (n.)
    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.

    Example

    The government's decision met with widespread condemnation from the public.

    Example

    The international community issued a joint condemnation of the human rights violations, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities.
  2. 2 legal sentencing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    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.

    Example

    The prisoner awaited his final condemnation with a look of despair.

    Example

    The judge's formal condemnation of the defendant followed a lengthy trial that had captivated the national media for months.
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  1. 3 declaring a building unfit (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    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.

    Example

    The old apartment block faced condemnation after the inspectors found serious structural damage.

    Example

    Following the earthquake, the city council issued a notice of condemnation for several historic buildings that were deemed structurally unsound.
  2. 4 eminent domain (n.)
    C2 Proficiency American English Technical Law

    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.

    Example

    The family fought the condemnation of their land for the new highway project.

    Example

    The local authority initiated condemnation proceedings to acquire the necessary acreage for the expansion of the municipal airport.
Origin

From Middle English condempnacioun, from Latin condemnātiō, condemnātiōnem.

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