Condemn Meaning
Condemn Definition & Usage
To publicly criticize or denounce something or someone as wrong, immoral, or unacceptable.
Examples
- "The government condemned the actions of the protesters as violent and illegal."
- "He condemned the decision as unfair and unjust."
- "The community strongly condemned the recent hate crime."
- "The media condemned the politician’s remarks as racist."
- "The United Nations condemned the invasion of the sovereign nation."
To officially declare someone guilty or to assign a punishment, particularly in a judicial or formal setting.
Examples
- "The judge condemned the criminal to ten years in prison."
- "The court condemned the defendant to death for the heinous crime."
- "After a lengthy trial, the jury condemned the accused for his role in the robbery."
- "He was condemned to exile for his political dissent."
- "The judge condemned the company for violating environmental laws."
To officially declare a building, structure, or property unsafe or unsuitable for use, typically due to damage or hazardous conditions.
Examples
- "The inspector condemned the building after discovering severe structural damage."
- "The apartment complex was condemned for failing to meet safety standards."
- "The authorities condemned the bridge after an earthquake caused serious damage."
- "The house was condemned due to hazardous mold and asbestos."
- "The old school building was condemned and demolished for safety reasons."
Cultural Context
The word 'condemn' has deep roots in both legal and moral judgments. Historically, condemnation has been used in religious and judicial contexts to describe the act of declaring someone or something to be guilty, immoral, or unfit. In modern times, it is often used to express strong moral or political disapproval, especially when it comes to social issues or human rights violations.
The Last Judgment
Story
The Last Judgment
In the small town of Fairview, a group of local activists had been protesting the construction of a new industrial facility. Their concern was that it would pollute the nearby river and destroy the town's natural beauty. After weeks of passionate speeches, the mayor addressed the crowd, condemning their methods as disruptive and illegal. 'We must follow the law,' he insisted, 'and while your concerns are valid, your actions cannot be tolerated.' The protesters, however, were not deterred. They argued that the mayor's decision was a direct affront to the community's well-being and publicly condemned his stance. As the tension rose, the environmental agency declared the site of the proposed factory unsafe, condemning it for environmental violations. The mayor, who had previously condemned the protesters, now found himself on the defensive, condemned by his own town for failing to protect their health and environment. The legal battle was set to continue, with the fate of both the facility and the community hanging in the balance. In the end, the protesters' efforts led to the facility being canceled, and the mayor, though not legally condemned, faced immense public backlash. His reputation would never be the same again.
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