condemn
/kənˈdɛm/
verb
Origin
Latin
condemnare — to sentence, to convict
Overview
Meaning Now
- To express complete disapproval of, typically in public; to censure.
- To sentence someone to a particular punishment, especially death.
- To declare a building or object unfit for use.
Literal older meaning
to damage or cause loss
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
condempne
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The spelling of 'condemn' in English was influenced by the desire to preserve the Latinate 'n' from 'condemnare', even though it is not pronounced. In earlier Middle English, the spelling 'condempne' was more common, reflecting the French pronunciation.
Evolution
- Latin
condemnare
“to bring to judgment, to convict”
Formed from the intensive 'con-' prefix and 'damnare' (to inflict damage/loss).
- Old French
condemner
“to condemn, to sentence”
- Middle English
condempne
“to judge, to sentence”
The silent 'n' was restored in writing due to Latin etymological influence.
Connections
Word parts
con-
prefix
intensive or together
damnare
root
to inflict loss or judgment
Related across languages
French
condamner
to condemn
Spanish
condenar
to condemn
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.