Denounced
/dɪˈnaʊnst/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo publicly condemn or criticize something or someone.
/dɪˈnaʊns/
To publicly declare to be wrong or bad.
The committee denounced the use of violence.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend did something super embarrassing, and you tell everyone about it at lunch. That's denouncing, only more serious, and often about things that are wrong or unfair.
👶 For kids: When you say something is bad or wrong in front of everyone.
More Examples
She denounced the decision as unfair.
The newspaper denounced the politician for accepting bribes.
How It's Used
"The senator denounced the government's new policy."
"The organization denounced the company's unethical practices in a press release."
"The moral leader denounced the act of corruption."
To report or accuse someone, usually in a formal or official way.
/dɪˈnaʊns/
To inform against or accuse someone.
He was denounced to the authorities for his illegal activities.
💡 Simply: It’s like when someone tattles on someone else to the police or the boss, but more serious, and often with a negative intent. It's usually used when someone's done something bad and you want others to know.
👶 For kids: When you tell someone in charge that another person did something wrong.
More Examples
The whistleblower denounced the company's illegal waste disposal.
Citizens were encouraged to denounce those who collaborated with the enemy.
How It's Used
"The witness denounced the criminal to the authorities."
"During the witch trials, people often denounced their neighbors."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
denounce someone to the authorities
To report someone to the police or other official organization for a wrongdoing.
"The employee, angered by the corruption, decided to denounce their boss to the authorities."
From Middle French *denoncier*, from Old French *denoncier* (to announce, accuse), from Latin *denuntiare* (to announce, report), from *de-* (down, away) + *nuntiare* (to announce, report).
The word 'denounce' has been used since the 14th century. It gained prominence during times of political or religious upheaval, where it was used to condemn individuals or ideologies.
Memory tip
Imagine a town crier publicly ringing a bell and shouting out what's wrong. Denounce = public condemnation.