rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycensureFormal disapproval
noun / verb

censure

SEN-shur/sˈɛnʃɝ/

Strong, formal expression of disapproval.

The council votes to censure the official for misconduct.

City council chair formally expresses disapproval to an official standing before seated council, serious calm expressions.
Etymology
censureLatinjudgment, opinion

Latin censura meant “judgment” or “opinion.” English censure first referred to a judicial sentence; the verb shifted from judging generally to finding fault and condemning, giving its modern sense of strong official disapproval.

In context

KSNB Local40:04
A HEARING EARLIER TODAY LOOKING TO CENSURE HIM.
Emotions run high during Hastings Senator Steve Halloran's censure hearing

More examples

  • Her actions draw public censure.
  • The committee issues a formal censure.
  • Several members were censured for violating the rules.

Forms

censure · censures · censured · censuring

Similar words

reprimand
Often a direct rebuke rather than a formal public judgment.
condemnation
Can express broader moral rejection without an official procedure.