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

“Isabel is gonna run for City Council,” he said, prompting people to applaud.

From Los Angeles Times

"I applaud Justin Welby for resigning but what I think the survivor group would like is more resignations because that means more accountability, people taking responsibility for having been silent when they should have spoken," he said.

From BBC

“We applaud General Kelly for highlighting in stark details the danger of a second Trump term. Like General Kelly, we did not take the decision to come forward lightly,” they wrote.

From Salon

Some viewers might feel the final movement spoils the film, but others will applaud the bizarre twist - as many critics have.

From BBC

I applaud her effort to reach Fox voters and I find Baier’s disingenuous question more campaign manure that shouldn’t be spread – after all too many are eager to lap it up as if it were filet instead of excrement.

From Salon

Related Words

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