Condemning

/kənˈdɛmɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Stating that someone or something is wrong or bad; or officially declaring something unfit for use.

Etymology

From Old French 'condamner,' from Latin 'condemnare': 'con-' (together) and 'damnare' (to harm or condemn). The '-ing' form makes it a gerund.

Kelly Says

Building inspectors 'condemn' houses deemed unsafe for occupancy—this legal meaning is older than the moral meaning, showing how words expand from specific institutional uses to broader meanings.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.