Condemned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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condemned

[kษ™nหˆdษ›mnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

legal status

The term 'condemned' refers to a person or entity that has been declared guilty of a crime or wrongdoing by a legal authority. It often signifies that a person has been sentenced to punishment, particularly in cases involving capital punishment. In a broader sense, it can describe something that is deemed unacceptable or wrong by society, such as a condemned building that is unsafe for use. This label can also carry a moral weight, suggesting a strong disapproval of certain actions or behaviors.

Synonyms

accused, denounced, sentenced.

Examples of usage

  • The condemned criminal awaited his sentence.
  • The city has condemned the old building as uninhabitable.
  • Her actions were condemned by the community.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, being condemned often refers to a person receiving a punishment after a trial.
  • Condemnation can also refer to a legal process where property is taken for public use, with compensation to the owner.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions of condemnation often link it to moral judgments about actions and intentions.
  • Many philosophical systems debate whether it's right to condemn someone entirely based on their actions.

Literature

  • In literature, characters that are condemned often face moral dilemmas that reflect societal values.
  • Notable works, like Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment', explore the psychological themes surrounding condemnation.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Dead Man Walking' depict the emotional and moral complexities of sentence condemnation.
  • Songs often explore themes of being condemned for choices, highlighting struggles between societal expectations and personal beliefs.

Origin of 'condemned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'condemnare', which means to 'doom or pass judgment'.
  • It entered Middle English through the Old French 'condemner', which also means to judge or condemn.

The word 'condemned' originates from the Latin 'condemnare', which means 'to blame, to convict'. This Latin root is derived from 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'damnare' meaning 'to harm, to inflict loss'. 'Condemn' entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, gaining prominence in legal and moral contexts. The word has evolved over time to encompass not just legal sentencing, but also broader social opinions regarding behavior and conditions. In contemporary usage, it is often associated with strong disapproval and is commonly used in legal, social, and religious contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,601, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.