tr.v. con·demned, con·demn·ing, con·demns 1. To express strong disapproval of: condemned the needless waste of food. See Synonyms at criticize. 2. To pronounce judgment against; sentence: condemned the felons to prison. 3. To judge or declare to be unfit for use or consumption, usually by official order: condemn an old building. 4. To force (someone) to experience, endure, or do something: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" (George Santayana). 5. To lend credence to or provide evidence for an adverse judgment against: were condemned by their actions. 6. Law To appropriate (property) for public use. [Middle English condemnen, from Old French condemner, from Latin condemnāre : com-, intensive pref.; see COM- + damnāre, to sentence (from damnum, penalty).] con·demna·ble (-dĕmnə-bəl) adj. con·demna·to′ry (-nə-tôr′ē) adj. con·demner (-dĕmər), con·demnor (-dĕmər, -dĕm-nôr) n. |
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