applaud

[ uh-plawd ]

verb (used without object)

1. to clap the hands as an expression of approval, appreciation, acclamation, etc.:

   They applauded wildly at the end of the opera.

2. to express approval; give praise; acclaim.

verb (used with object)

1. to clap the hands so as to show approval, appreciation, etc., of:

   to applaud an actor; to applaud a speech.

2. to praise or express approval of:

   to applaud a person's ambition.

applaud

/ əˈplɔːd /

verb

1. to indicate approval of (a person, performance, etc) by clapping the hands
2. usually tr to offer or express approval or praise of (an action, person, or thing)

   I applaud your decision

Derived Forms

• apˈplauder, noun
• apˈplauding, adjective
• apˈplaudingly, adverb

Other Words From

• ap·plauder noun
• ap·plauding·ly adverb
• over·ap·plaud verb
• reap·plaud verb
• self-ap·plauding adjective
• unap·plauded adjective
• unap·plauding adjective
• well-ap·plauded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of applaud¹

1530–40; < Latin applaudere, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + plaudere to clap the hands

Word History and Origins

Origin of applaud¹

C15: from Latin applaudere to clap, from plaudere to beat, applaud

Example Sentences

It seems backwards to applaud what is already necessary, what has already been clear for a long time.

From The Daily Beast

Far beyond his well-earned lucre, this is the reason to applaud Radcliffe the most.

From The Daily Beast

They were up on their feet so often to applaud the Texas senator that his speech was practically an aerobics class.

From The Daily Beast

I applaud Paul Ryan and the CBC members for their willingness to engage while respectfully listening to what each had to say.

From The Daily Beast

If it was The View, someone off to the side would be motioning for the audience to applaud.

From The Daily Beast

A small contingent of the members hurried off to applaud the successful comic opera of the hour.

From Project Gutenberg

I think so, at least, by the agitation they are in and by the self-satisfied air with which they applaud their success.

From Project Gutenberg

When June's fortune is finished all applaud her, as if she had performed some feat of skill, and then Mr. Morrell seizes Wy.

From Project Gutenberg

All eyes are bent in eager gaze to catch the first glimpse of the new Hamlet—all hands are ready to applaud.

From Project Gutenberg

He himself was sufficient audience to himself, ready to applaud and condemn with equal exaggeration of feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• approve
• cheer
• commend
• compliment
• encourage
• hail
• laud
• praise
• recommend