condemn

Pronunciation: /kənˈdɛm/ (American English)

Origin: From Latin "condemnare," meaning "to sentence, doom"

Part of Speech: verb

Meanings:

1. To express complete disapproval of; censure strongly
2. To sentence to punishment, especially to death
3. To pronounce unfit for use or consumption
4. To force or compel (someone) to experience something unpleasant

Example Sentences:

1. The international community condemned the country's human rights violations.
2. The judge condemned the murderer to life in prison.
3. The health inspector condemned the restaurant due to unsanitary conditions.
4. His poor financial decisions condemned him to a life of poverty.

Related Words:

• Nouns: condemnation, condemner
• Adjectives: condemnable, condemnatory
• Adverb: condemningly

Synonyms: censure, denounce, criticize, reproach, sentence, doom

Memorization Trick: Think of "con" (against) + "damn" (curse). When you condemn something, you're strongly against it, almost as if you're cursing it.