censure

Word relationships

• condemn: Condemn is a broader term for total disapproval, whereas censure is specifically the formal, institutional expression of that disapproval.
• reproach: Reproach is personal and emotional, whereas censure is cold, official, and administrative.

• approve: Approve is to officially accept or agree with something, which is the institutional opposite of censure.

Commonly confused with

• censor: To censor is to delete or suppress objectionable information. To censure is to formally and publicly reprimand someone for their behavior.

Word family

• censurable (adjective): Deserving of formal condemnation or disapproval.

Collocations

• vote of censure
• formal censure
• publicly censure

Example sentences

• "The parliament voted to censure the minister for his unethical financial dealings." A government body disciplining one of its members.
• "The medical board issued a formal censure against the doctor for violating patient confidentiality." A professional medical board ruling.

Memory hook

Think of a 'censor' who doesn't just cut scenes from a movie, but instead stands up to 'censure' (formally scold) the director. An official sensor issues a censure.

When not to use

Do not use for personal, informal arguments. You cannot 'censure' your friend for being late to dinner.

Fun facts

• In the United States Senate, a censure is a formal statement of disapproval that does not remove a senator from office, but carries immense historical shame. Only nine senators have been censured in US history.

Related words

condemn, denounce, reprimand

Explore more words

culpable, excommunicate, repudiate, approbation, opprobrium, banish