censure

[ sen-sher ]

noun

1. strong or vehement expression of disapproval:

   The newspapers were unanimous in their censure of the tax proposal.

   Synonyms: animadversion, stricture, reprimand, rebuke, reprehension, reproach, reproof, condemnation

   Antonyms: praise

2. an official reprimand, as by a legislative body of one of its members.

   Antonyms: praise

verb (used with object)

, cen·sured, cen·sur·ing.

1. to criticize or reproach in a harsh or vehement manner:

   She is more to be pitied than censured.

   Synonyms: chide, rebuke, reprove

   Antonyms: praise

verb (used without object)

, cen·sured, cen·sur·ing.

1. to give censure, adverse criticism, disapproval, or blame.

censure

/ ˈsɛnʃə /

noun

1. severe disapproval; harsh criticism

verb

1. to criticize (someone or something) severely; condemn

Derived Forms

• ˈcensurer, noun

Other Words From

• censur·er noun
• censure·less adjective
• mis·censure verb miscensured miscensuring
• pre·censure verb (used with object) precensured precensuring
• pro·censure adjective
• super·censure noun
• un·censured adjective
• un·censur·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of censure¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin cēnsūra censor's office, assessment, equivalent to cēns ( us ) past participle of cēnsēre ( censor ) + -ūra -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of censure¹

C14: from Latin cēnsūra, from cēnsēre to consider, assess

Synonym Study

See abuse. See blame, reprimand.

Example Sentences

Australian lawmakers have voted to censure an Aboriginal senator who heckled King Charles during his visit to Canberra last month, to express their "profound disapproval" of her protest.

From BBC

The Senate's censure, which passed 46-12, described Thorpe's actions as "disrespectful and disruptive" and said they should disqualify her from representing the chamber as a member of any delegation.

From BBC

A censure motion is politically symbolic but carries no constitutional or legal weight.

From BBC

It was, of course, his role as a leading prosecutor and Trump antagonist that made Schiff a hero among Democrats and led to his formal censure by the House — a political gift as he ramped up his Senate bid in a crowded Democrat field.

From Los Angeles Times

In May, the USC Academic Senate voted to censure her and Provost Andrew Guzman over their handling of events around commencement.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• condemnation
• rebuke
• reprimand