Condemn

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1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Condemn (verb) = to express strong disapproval of something, to declare something guilty or wrong, or to officially declare a building unsafe for use.

“Condemn” is a powerful word that carries real weight. When someone condemns something, they’re not just disagreeing or criticising — they’re making a strong moral judgement that something is completely wrong or unacceptable.

The most common use is public disapproval. Politicians condemn terrorist attacks. Organisations condemn racism. Leaders condemn violence. The word appears constantly in news headlines because it signals that someone is taking a firm, official stance against something. When you condemn, you’re not being neutral — you’re declaring that something deserves blame and rejection. This usage is very common in formal statements, press releases, and public discourse.

Second, condemn can mean sentencing or declaring someone guilty. Courts condemn criminals to prison. History condemns tyrants. This meaning connects to judgement — condemning someone means finding them guilty and assigning consequences. The phrase “condemned to death” specifically means sentenced to be executed.

Third, there’s a building-related meaning. When authorities “condemn a building,” they officially declare it unsafe and prohibit anyone from living or working there. A condemned building is one that’s too dangerous to occupy — usually due to structural damage, fire hazards, or severe neglect.

Finally, condemn can mean forcing someone into a bad situation. “Poverty condemned them to a life of struggle” means circumstances trapped them in hardship. This usage emphasises that someone has no escape.

Examples from the street:

• “World leaders condemned the attack within hours” → they publicly declared it completely unacceptable and wrong
• “The building was condemned after the fire — nobody can enter” → authorities officially declared it unsafe
• “His own words condemned him” → what he said proved his guilt; he essentially convicted himself

2. Most Common Patterns

• condemn + noun (action/event) → express strong disapproval of something
• condemn someone/something as + adjective/noun → declare that someone or something is wrong or bad
• condemn someone to + noun/verb → sentence someone or force them into a situation
• strongly/publicly/widely condemn → emphasise the strength or visibility of disapproval
• condemn someone for + noun/-ing → disapprove of someone because of a specific action
• condemned building/property → officially declared unsafe
• condemn violence/terrorism/racism → common objects of public condemnation
• refuse to condemn → notably avoid criticising something (often controversial)

3. Idioms

• condemn someone out of their own mouth → prove someone guilty using their own words

  Example: “The leaked emails condemned him out of his own mouth — he couldn’t deny what he’d written.”

• damned if you do, damned if you don’t → condemned either way; criticised no matter what choice you make

  Example: “If I speak up, I’m aggressive. If I stay quiet, I’m weak. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

4. Example Sentences

1. Human rights organisations strongly condemned the government’s treatment of prisoners

   → They expressed powerful disapproval and declared the actions completely unacceptable.

2. Critics condemned the film as offensive and irresponsible

   → They judged the movie to be harmful and declared it wrong in their reviews.

3. The court condemned him to fifteen years in prison for fraud

   → The judge sentenced him to spend fifteen years behind bars.

4. The old factory was condemned after inspectors found severe structural damage

   → Authorities officially declared the building unsafe and prohibited entry.

5. She refused to condemn her colleague publicly, despite pressure from the media

   → She wouldn’t criticise or denounce her coworker, even when journalists pushed her.

6. Growing up in that environment condemned them to a cycle of poverty

   → Their circumstances trapped them in ongoing financial hardship with no escape.

7. The Prime Minister publicly condemned the attack and promised swift action

   → The leader openly declared the violence unacceptable and vowed to respond quickly.

8. History has condemned those leaders as brutal dictators

   → Over time, society has judged them guilty of terrible crimes and rejected their legacy.

9. The organisation condemned him for making discriminatory remarks during the interview

   → They strongly disapproved of him because of his offensive comments.

10. The neighbourhood is full of condemned buildings that nobody has demolished yet

    → Many structures there have been declared unsafe but still stand abandoned.

5. Personal Examples

1. Teachers shouldn’t condemn students as failures after one bad exam

   → Educators shouldn’t judge learners as hopeless based on a single poor result.

2. Understanding words like “condemn” helps English learners follow political news and public condemnations of world events

   → Knowing this vocabulary makes it easier to understand how leaders respond to crises in formal statements.

6. Register: Formal to Neutral

✔ Native usage tips

• “Condemn” sounds serious and formal — in casual speech, people more often say “criticise” or “call out”
• Politicians and organisations use “condemn” specifically because it sounds strong and official
• “Strongly condemn” and “publicly condemn” are very common in news language — almost formulaic
• When someone “refuses to condemn” something, it’s often reported as controversial or suspicious

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Criticise → milder; condemn implies moral judgement, criticise can be constructive
• Denounce → very similar and equally strong; often interchangeable in political contexts
• Slam → informal journalism word meaning criticise harshly; condemn sounds more official