CONDEMNING

Definition of CONDEMNING

CONDEMNING Verb and Adjective

Condemning is the present participle or gerund form of the verb condemn, and it is used to describe the act of expressing strong disapproval or criticism of someone or something. As a verb, condemning refers to actively denouncing, criticizing, or declaring something as wrong, immoral, or unacceptable. As an adjective, condemning describes a tone, action, or statement that conveys disapproval or judgment of a person, behavior, or situation.

CONDEMNING as a verb

Expression of Disapproval: When condemning is used as a verb, it refers to the act of publicly or formally expressing disapproval. A condemning statement or action emphasizes the judgment that the subject is morally, ethically, or legally wrong. For example, a leader might issue a condemning speech in response to corruption, or a court might be condemning a criminal’s actions during sentencing. In this sense, condemning serves as a tool for accountability, ensuring that wrongdoing is publicly acknowledged and criticized.

Moral and Legal Judgment: In moral or legal contexts, condemning refers to the act of pronouncing something as morally or legally unacceptable. It can involve legal rulings or moral judgments that call for punishment, reform, or condemnation of a particular act. A condemning ruling in court may refer to the conviction of a criminal, or a condemning opinion may reflect a stance on unethical actions or social injustices. The verb highlights the seriousness of the condemnation, calling attention to the fact that the behavior in question should not be tolerated.

CONDEMNING as an adective

Punishment and Sentencing: As part of a legal or judicial process, condemning often involves the formal declaration of punishment or penalty for an offense. For example, in a criminal trial, the judge might be condemning the defendant to a prison sentence. In this context, condemning goes beyond disapproval and moves toward actionable consequences, reflecting the severity of the wrongdoing and its impact on society. The adjective form of condemning can also describe actions taken by authorities or figures that result in the imposition of penalties.

Social and Political Contexts: In social or political discussions, condemning is frequently used to describe the vocal disapproval of harmful or unethical behaviors. Activists, governments, and organizations often engage in condemning statements to express opposition to issues such as human rights violations, environmental destruction, or political corruption. These condemning responses serve as a call to action and are meant to galvanize others to respond to the injustice or wrongdoing being addressed. The use of condemning in this context emphasizes the collective rejection of harmful actions.

Religious Context: In religious discourse, condemning can describe the judgment passed on actions or individuals deemed sinful or contrary to divine law. Religious texts and leaders may issue condemning statements about behaviors that are seen as violations of moral or spiritual laws. This form of condemnation often carries both earthly and eternal consequences, as it is believed that such actions are not only wrong in the eyes of the community but also in the eyes of a higher power. The condemning language in religious settings underscores the spiritual gravity of the judgment.

Metaphorical Use: In a metaphorical sense, condemning can be used to describe the rejection of conditions, ideas, or situations considered undesirable. For example, a person might speak of condemning the state of the environment or social inequality, using the term to signify their disapproval of these broader societal issues. This use highlights the need for change or reform, as condemning such conditions often serves to call attention to the need for action to remedy the situation.

In conclusion, condemning refers to the act of expressing strong disapproval or judgment about something or someone. Whether used as a verb or adjective, condemning emphasizes the rejection of behaviors, actions, or conditions deemed morally, legally, or ethically wrong. This term can be applied in a variety of contexts, including legal, social, political, and religious settings, and often carries implications of accountability, punishment, or reform. By expressing disapproval, condemning serves to make clear that certain actions or behaviors are unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

Examples of CONDEMNING in a sentence

CONDEMNING as a verb in a sentence

• The mayor publicly condemning the violence sent a strong message to the community.
• She was criticized for condemning the entire group based on one person’s actions.
• The teacher stood in front of the class, condemning cheating as a serious offense.
• Activists are condemning the government’s lack of action on climate change.
• He gave a passionate speech, condemning racism and discrimination in all forms.
• The international community is condemning the recent attacks on civilians.
• Instead of listening, he kept condemning her decisions without offering help.
• The documentary was powerful in condemning the cruelty of the factory farming industry.

CONDEMNING as an adjective in a sentence

• The condemning tone in her voice made it clear she disapproved of his actions.
• He gave her a condemning look that made her feel instantly guilty.
• The article ended with a condemning statement about the company’s unethical practices.
• Her condemning attitude isolated her from the rest of the team.
• The judge’s condemning remarks left no doubt about the severity of the crime.
• They were surrounded by condemning stares as they walked into the courtroom.
• His speech was filled with condemning language directed at political opponents.
• The documentary included condemning footage that shocked the viewers.

Origin of CONDEMNING

The term condemning is primarily the present participle form of the verb condemn, which means to express strong disapproval or to declare something as wrong, guilty, or unfit.

Semantic Context: Condemning refers to the act of openly criticizing, blaming, or pronouncing judgment against a person, action, idea, or thing. It often implies moral, legal, or social judgment and can be used in contexts ranging from everyday disapproval to formal legal sentencing.

• Etymological Roots: The word condemn derives from the Latin verb “condemnare,” meaning “to sentence, to find guilty,” which itself comes from “con-“ (together, thoroughly) and “damnare” (to inflict loss upon, to harm). This origin reflects the idea of passing judgment with a strong, authoritative negative consequence.
• Historical Development: Historically, condemn was used primarily in legal and religious contexts to denote the formal judgment of guilt or moral failing. Over time, its use expanded into broader social and everyday contexts, where it signifies strong moral or ethical disapproval without necessarily implying legal consequences.
• Cultural and Social Applications: In contemporary usage, condemning is common in public discourse, politics, media, and personal interactions to express denunciation or reproach. It can indicate anything from official condemnation by governments or courts to informal expressions of criticism by individuals or groups.
• Current Usage: Today, condemning is used to denote the active process of expressing judgment or disapproval. It is found in statements, reports, speeches, and writings where actions, events, or behaviors are criticized or judged negatively, often to call for accountability or change.

In summary, condemning traces its roots to Latin terms of judgment and harm, evolving from formal legal and moral sentencing to a broad term for expressing strong disapproval or denunciation across many areas of life.