condemn

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to declare or judge unfit for use or habitation

   The building was condemned by the inspector

2. 2
   verb

   to express strong disapproval of

   We condemn the racism in South Africa.

3. 3
   verb

   to pronounce a sentence on somebody in a court of law

   I was condemned to ten years in prison.

4. 4
   verb

   to demonstrate the guilt of someone

   Their strange behavior condemned them.

5. 5
   verb

   to appropriate property for public use

   The county condemned the land to build a highway.

6. 6
   verb

   to compel or force into a particular state or activity

   If you harm the king's cat, you may be condemned to death.

7. 7
   verb

   To strongly criticise or denounce; to excoriate.

   The president condemned the terrorists.

8. 8
   verb

   To judicially announce a verdict upon a finding of guilt; To sentence

   The judge condemned him to death.

Etymology

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.