# applaud

Pronunciation: say "uh-PLAWD" US /əˈplɔd/, UK /əˈplɔːd/

## Verb

1. To clap one's hands together as a way of showing approval, such as of a performance or speech.
   - Simple: To show that you like something by clapping your hands.
   - _Crowds applaud the dancers with raised hands and loud cheering._
   - _When the curtain fell, the whole theater applauded._
2. To praise someone or something, or to express approval for them.
   - Simple: To praise someone, or to show that you think something is good.
   - _Reviewers applauded the author's willingness to tackle difficult subjects._
   - _Environmental groups applaud whenever a government commits to lower emissions._

## Noun

3. The act of applauding; the clapping by which approval is shown. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: Loud clapping and cheering that shows people are pleased.
   - _The crowd's applaud echoed through the hall as the king entered._
   - _He spoke with such force that a wave of applaud followed._
4. An expression of praise or commendation; a plaudit. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A word or sign of praise that shows approval.
   - _The general received the applaud of the senate for his victory._
   - _His loyalty to the crown deserved the highest applaud._

## Origin

From Middle English 'applauden', from Latin 'applaudere' meaning 'to clap the hands together, applaud', formed from 'ad' ('to') and 'plaudere' ('to strike, clap').

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/applaud (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).