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View synonyms for censure

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. to criticize (someone or something) severely; condemn
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈcensurer, noun
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of censure1

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

See abuse. See blame, reprimand.
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Example Sentences

Parler has been operating without censure from the app stores for months, and got a boost in popularity around the November election.

To get a maximum number of law deans to sign on, the language was made broad and intentionally did not name anybody or call for any kind of censure, they said.

Few politicians are willing to test the limits and risk their career ending in impeachment, censure, or even arrest.

From Vox

Expulsion or at least censure and loss of committee seats is necessary to underscore the depth of their offense.

During the tight lockdowns in some parts of Europe, dog owners have been especially privileged — giving them a pass to leave their homes without fear of governmental censure.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement deploring the state GOP for its failure to censure Duke.

American universities have come under censure for failing to adequately protect students from sexual and physical assault.

Thompson escaped the ire of Times reporters and avoided official censure during a subsequent BBC investigation.

The article states that the agency could have voted sanctions against Maco ranging from censure to disbarment.

Still, Bergé insisted that he did not get overly involved or censure the film in any way.

As such it is now presented to the public for whatever meed of praise or censure it is found to deserve.

I issued a censure, and ordered that no one should agree to their conclusions, and that the Dominicans should not hold them.

I cannot too severely censure the habit of using sentences which admit of a double meaning.

It may, perhaps, be one of the unfortunate works which have already fallen under his censure.

I therefore do not censure those who desire to see their daughters happily and suitably established in life.

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Related Words

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More About Censure

What does censure mean?

Censure is passionate or intense criticism, as in Many countries were united in their censure of the nation responsible for the nuclear disaster. 

Censure can also refer to an official condemnation or reprimand, especially by a legislative body to one of its members, as in The lawyer’s terrible conduct earned him a censure from the judge. 

As a verb, censure means to intensely and harshly criticize something, as in The governor was censured by the media for his incredibly poor handling of the state’s hurricane response.   

Censure could be confused with the similarly spelled words censer, censor, and sensor. A censer is a container that holds burning incense. A censor is a person who looks for unacceptable or immoral material in media or creative works. A sensor is a device that sends a signal in reaction to environmental conditions.

Example: The musician faced intense censure from other artists after stealing melodies and their career never recovered from the backlash.

Where does censure come from?

The first records of censure come from around 1350. It ultimately comes from the Latin cēnsēre, meaning “to consider” or  “to assess.” In the case of censure, a person has considered the actions of someone else and has come to an incredibly negative assessment of them.

Censure is a synonym of such words as criticize, scold, rebuff, and chastise. However, censure is often specifically used to mean that the criticism is incredibly severe and negative. The word censure often implies that a person being censured is going to literally or figuratively suffer horribly because of whatever terrible or reprehensible thing they did.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to censure?

  • censurer (noun)
  • censureless (adjective)
  • miscensure (verb)
  • precensure (verb)

What are some synonyms for censure?

What are some words that share a root or word element with censure

What are some words that often get used in discussing censure?

What are some words censure may be commonly confused with?

How is censure used in real life?

Censure is used to refer to especially harsh criticism or an official show of contempt by a government body.

Try using censure!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of censure?

A. scold
B. blame
C. condemn
D. praise

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