denounce
What does "denounce" mean?
To denounce means to publicly declare something or someone to be wrong, evil, or worthy of condemnation. The mental image is that of a person standing on a soapbox or in a court of law, pointing a finger at a wrongdoer and stripping away their mask of legitimacy to expose their actions to the public eye. In usage, this word carries a weight of authority or moral judgment. It is much stronger than simply "criticizing" or "disagreeing." It is frequently used in political, legal, or ethical contexts, such as denouncing a treaty, a criminal act, or a human rights violation.
"denounce" in conversation
Office meeting regarding a scandal
Are you going to sign the statement?
Are you going to sign the statement?
I have to. We need to denounce these practices immediately.
I have to. We need to denounce these practices immediately.
Used here to show taking a firm, public moral stance.
Discussing historical events
Did the neighboring countries support the regime?
Did the neighboring countries support the regime?
No, most chose to denounce the government's actions openly.
No, most chose to denounce the government's actions openly.
Highlights the use of the word in a geopolitical context.
"denounce" in a sentence
The organization was quick to denounce the violence.
The organization was quick to denounce the violence.
She stood up to denounce the corrupt practices of the local administration.
She stood up to denounce the corrupt practices of the local administration.
The international community issued a formal resolution to denounce the breach of the peace treaty.
The international community issued a formal resolution to denounce the breach of the peace treaty.
