verb / noun

laud

LAWD/lɔːd/

High praise or acclaim, especially given publicly.

The young woman lauds the sculptor's work with enthusiastic applause.

A young woman enthusiastically applauds an older sculptor beside his finished sculpture, visibly expressing high admiration for his work.

Etymology

Latin laus meant praise, fame, or glory; its derivative laudare meant to praise or honor. The English verb preserves that association between praising people highly and giving them honor.

In context

The Real News Network42:18

I commend you and laud you for that is that something you're doing when you just got out.

After 5 years behind bars, cop watcher Eric Brandt breaks his silence.

More examples

Critics lauded her first novel for its vivid characters.
The report lauds the hospital's improvements in patient care.
Fans are lauding the team's remarkable comeback.

Forms

laud · lauds · lauded · lauding

laudable adjective — Deserving praise for merit or achievement.

Similar words

praise: More general and neutral; need not suggest public acclaim.
extol: Emphasizes enthusiastic praise, without necessarily implying a public audience.