To condemn something means to say very strongly that it is bad, wrong, or unacceptable, especially for moral reasons.

Core meaning

  • In everyday English, to condemn is to strongly disapprove of something, often in public or official language. For example: “Leaders condemned the attack,” meaning they said clearly it was wrong.
  • It can also mean to judge someone as guilty and give them a punishment, as in a court “condemning” a criminal.

Other common uses

  • Buildings or property: authorities can condemn a building, meaning they officially declare it unsafe or unfit to live in or use.
  • Law/government: a government can condemn property under eminent domain, meaning it formally takes it for public use (for example, to build a highway).

Simple examples

  • “I condemn violence” = I strongly say violence is wrong.
  • “The judge condemned him to prison” = The judge sentenced him to prison as punishment.

In short, condemn is a strong word used for serious disapproval or for officially judging something or someone as wrong, guilty, or unfit.