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Added 8 October 2026

condemn

/kənˈdɛm/ verb

In Latin: addīcō Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about condemn at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Express strong disapproval of.
We condemn the racism in South Africa
Declare or judge unfit for use or habitation.
The building was condemned by the inspector
Compel or force into a particular state or activity.
His devotion to his sick wife condemned him to a lonely existence

Origin

From Middle English condempnen, from Old French condamner, from Latin condemnāre (“to sentence, condemn, blame”), from com- + damnāre (“to harm, condemn, damn”), from damnum (“damage, injury, loss”). Displaced native Middle English fordemen (from Old English fordeman (“condemn, sentence, doom”) > Modern English fordeem.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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