applaud

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to express approval of

   I applaud your efforts.

2. 2
   verb

   to clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

   The audience applauded the band's performance.

3. 3
   verb

   To express approval (of something) by clapping the hands.

   After the performance, the audience applauded for five minutes.

4. 4
   verb

   To praise, or express approval for something or someone.

   Although we don't like your methods, we applaud your motives.

5. 5
   noun

   Applause; applauding.

6. 6
   noun

   Plaudit.

Etymology

From Middle English applauden, from Latin applaudere (“to clap the hands together, applaud”), from ad (“to”) + plaudere (“to strike, clap”).