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Denounce: meaning, definitions and examples

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denounce

 

[dɪˈnaʊns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

politics

Publicly declare to be wrong or evil. Condemn openly and formally.

Synonyms

condemn, criticize, disapprove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
denounce

Use this word when you publicly declare that something is wrong or evil. It's often used in formal settings like politics or media.

  • The politician was quick to denounce the corruption within the administration.
  • Activists denounce human rights violations across the world.
condemn

This word is best suited when expressing strong disapproval or blaming someone for an action, usually publicly and for serious matters.

  • The international community condemned the terrorist attack.
  • The judge condemned the criminal's actions as unforgivable.
criticize

Use this when you want to point out someone’s faults or errors, which can be done in both formal and informal settings.

  • The film critic didn’t hesitate to criticize the director’s new movie.
  • Parents often criticize their children’s poor behavior.
disapprove

Best used when expressing a mild or personal lack of approval, rather than a public or strong condemnation.

  • She disapproves of her son's choice of friends.
  • Many people disapprove of smoking in public places.

Examples of usage

  • She denounced the government's policy on immigration.
  • The opposition party denounced the new law as unconstitutional.
Context #2 | Verb

crime

Inform against someone; give evidence of someone's guilt.

Synonyms

accuse, betray, report.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
denounce

Used when formally and publicly declaring that something or someone is wrong or evil.

  • He denounced the government for its corruption.
accuse

Used when claiming that someone has done something wrong or illegal, often requiring proof.

  • She accused him of stealing her wallet.
betray

Used when someone is disloyal or reveals something confidential or secret, often harming a person or cause. This has a negative connotation.

  • He felt betrayed when she shared his secret with others.
report

Used when formally giving information about someone or something, often to authorities.

  • She decided to report the incident to the police.

Examples of usage

  • He was denounced to the police by an anonymous tip.
  • The witness was afraid to denounce the criminal in court.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'denuntiare', which means to declare or announce something, often with a negative connotation.
  • In Middle English, the term evolved from 'denouncen', reflecting the act of formally accusing or informing against something.

History

  • In political contexts, denouncing has been used throughout history to call out injustices, such as during the French Revolution.
  • Many historical figures, like Martin Luther King Jr., used public denouncements to highlight social issues and advocate for change.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often denounce others to reveal truths and develop conflict, as seen in plays like Arthur Miller’s 'The Crucible'.
  • Famous authors have used denouncement in their works to critique societal norms and injustices, such as in George Orwell's writings.

Psychology

  • Denouncing can serve as a mechanism for societal safety, allowing individuals to express disapproval of harmful behavior and promote awareness.
  • Studies show that public denouncement can influence group dynamics, causing individuals to align with or against the denounced party.

Pop Culture

  • In social media, public figures often denounce controversial actions or policies to address their followers and shape public opinion.
  • Reality TV shows frequently feature moments where cast members denounce each other’s behavior, highlighting interpersonal conflicts.

Translations

Translations of the word "denounce" in other languages:

🇵🇹 denunciar

🇮🇳 निंदा करना

🇩🇪 verurteilen

🇮🇩 mengecam

🇺🇦 засуджувати

🇵🇱 potępiać

🇯🇵 非難する (ひなんする)

🇫🇷 dénoncer

🇪🇸 denunciar

🇹🇷 kınamak

🇰🇷 비난하다

🇸🇦 شجب

🇨🇿 odsoudit

🇸🇰 odsúdiť

🇨🇳 谴责 (qiǎnzé)

🇸🇮 obsoditi

🇮🇸 fordæma

🇰🇿 айыптау

🇬🇪 გააკრიტიკება

🇦🇿 ittiham etmək

🇲🇽 denunciar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,095, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.