denounce

[ dih-nouns ]

verb (used with object)

, de·nounced, de·nounc·ing.

1. to condemn or censure openly or publicly:

   to denounce a politician as morally corrupt.

   Synonyms: brand, blame, stigmatize, attack

   Antonyms: commend, praise

2. to make a formal accusation against, as to the police or in a court.
3. to give formal notice of the termination or denial of (a treaty, pact, agreement, or the like).
4. Archaic. to announce or proclaim, especially as something evil or calamitous.
5. Obsolete. to portend.

denounce

/ dɪˈnaʊns /

verb

1. to deplore or condemn openly or vehemently
2. to give information against; accuse
3. to announce formally the termination of (a treaty, etc)
4. obsolete.
   1. to announce (something evil)
   2. to portend

Derived Forms

• deˈnouncer, noun
• deˈnouncement, noun

Other Words From

• de·nouncement noun
• de·nouncer noun
• unde·nounced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of denounce¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English denouncen, from Old French denoncier “to speak out,” from Latin dēnuntiāre “to threaten,” literally, “to announce from,” from dē- de- + nuntiāre “to announce” (derivative of nuntius “messenger”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of denounce¹

C13: from Old French denoncier to proclaim, from Latin dēnuntiāre to make an official proclamation, threaten, from de- + nuntiāre to announce

Example Sentences

Rights groups also regularly denounce the Ugandan authorities over violations of human rights and the freedom of expression.

From BBC

You might think that “SNL” would come out guns blazing to denounce the Trump win, but instead this week’s cold open joked about the president-elect in a different way: with mock flattery.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the language they use to denounce them, French, is a foreign tongue and not one endemic to Dahomey.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, dozens gathered in Highland Park to denounce Jurado’s use of the F-word and voice support for the LAPD.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump did not denounce Hinchliffe's comments at the rally.

From Salon

Related Words

• accuse
• blame
• boycott
• brand
• castigate
• censure
• criticize
• decry
• excoriate
• prosecute
• rebuke
• revile
• scold
• threaten
• vilify