denounce
dee-NOWNSS
/dɪˈnaʊns/
To publicly declare to be wrong or evil; to inform against someone.
Denounce is a very strong, public act. It is often used by leaders or organizations to condemn a specific action or person.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'nuntiare' means to report or announce (the root of 'news'). Adding 'de-' (down) creates the sense of reporting someone 'down' or negatively.
Word relationships
- condemn: Condemn is a general term for disapproval; denounce is more about the public announcement of that disapproval.
- criticize: Criticize is much weaker and can be constructive; denounce is destructive and final.
- praise: Praise is to express approval.
- extol: Extol is to praise enthusiastically.
Commonly confused with
- renounce: Renounce means to give up a claim or right; denounce means to speak out against someone else.
Word family
- denunciation (noun): Public condemnation of someone or something.
Collocations
- publicly denounce
- denounce as a traitor
- denounce the violence
Example sentences
- "The international community was quick to denounce the dictator's use of violence." Human Rights
- "She chose to denounce the unfair labor practices of her former employer." Social Justice
Memory hook
De-Noun-ce: You are taking someone's 'Noun' (their name/reputation) and bringing it 'De' (down). Publicly condemn.
When not to use
Do not use for private disagreements; it implies a public or official condemnation.
Fun facts
- In some historical contexts, a 'denouncer' was a person who secretly informed the government about a neighbor's crimes.
Also appears in
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