DictionaryreprobateStrong disapproval
verb

reprobate

To condemn or strongly disapprove of.

The committee reprobates any attempt to intimidate witnesses or jurors.

Etymology

The Latin verb means rejecting after judgment. English preserves that evaluative force when it means condemning conduct or strongly disapproving of it.

More examples

  • We reprobate the deliberate destruction of historical monuments.
  • The editorial reprobated the mayor's abuse of power.
  • Several delegates joined in reprobating the use of torture.

Forms

reprobate · reprobates · reprobated · reprobating

reprobation noun — Strong condemnation of conduct or beliefs.

Similar words

condemn
More commonly expresses a strong judgment that something is wrong.
censure
Often describes formal criticism by an official body.
denounce
Emphasizes public, outspoken condemnation of someone or something.