Definition of condone
condoned
;condoning
transitive verb
: to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless a government accused of condoning racism condone corruption in politics
condoner
nounExplore M-W
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Examples of condone in a Sentence
“I don't condone violence, and I think ‘gangsta rap’ should be outlawed,” says [designer Tommy] Hilfiger … —Joshua Levine, Forbes, 21 Apr. 1997
Without waiting for Momma's thanks, he rode out of the yard, sure that things were as they should be and that he was a gentle squire, saving those deserving serfs from the laws of the land, which he condoned. —Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969
And then she told him all—told him the truth word by word, without attempting to shield herself or condone her error. —Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan of the Apes, 1912
a government that has been accused of condoning racism
he is too quick to condone his friend's faults
Recent Examples of condone from the Web
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Racial or bigoted remarks, a membership in an organized group that condones such behavior or a defendant's admission can serve as evidence to bolster the allegation.
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While independence for Puerto Rico is a legitimate movement (the island votes on its future on a non-binding referendum on the same day as the parade), advocating for independence is not synonymous with condoning violence.
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Iditarod CEO Stan Hooley said there’s no doubt the decision is related to activists like PETA wrongly implying the Iditarod condones cruel treatment of the dogs.
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A remarkable number of those talkers condoned the attack, either outright or by pointing to other bad things that have happened elsewhere on earth at various points in the past.
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The contrast would be Debbie praising Brad for his surplus of testosterone and using that to condone bad behavior.
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DaimlerChrysler is now condoning biodiesel blends of up to 20 percent in its vehicles.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'condone'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
Since some folks don't condone even minor usage slips, you might want to get the meaning of this word straight. Although English speakers sometimes use "condone" with the intended meaning "approve of" or "encourage," the more established meaning is closer to "pardon" or "overlook." "Condone" comes from the Latin verb condonare, which means "to absolve." "Condonare" in turn combines the Latin prefix con-, indicating thoroughness, and donare, meaning "to give" or "to grant." Not surprisingly, "donare" is also the source of our words "donate" and "pardon."
Origin and Etymology of condone
Latin condonare to absolve, from com- + donare to give — more at donation
First Known Use: 1805
Synonym Discussion of condone
CONDONE Defined for English Language Learners
condone
playDefinition of condone for English Language Learners
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: to forgive or approve (something that is considered wrong) : to allow (something that is considered wrong) to continue
CONDONE Defined for Kids
condone
Definition of condone for Students
condoned
condoning
: to treat (something bad) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless I can't condone his actions.
Law Dictionary
condone
playLegal Definition of condone
condoned
condoning
: to pardon or overlook voluntarily
Origin and Etymology of condone
Latin condonare to give away, absolve
Learn More about condone
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See words that rhyme with condone Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for condone Spanish Central: Translation of condone Nglish: Translation of condone for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of condone for Arabic speakers
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