DictionaryAI

denounce

verb
di-NOWNS/diˈnaʊns/

Formsdenounces, denouncing, denounced

6 meanings of denounce

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To publicly say that someone or something is wrong or very bad.

    Like standing up in front of everyone to say that something is wrong.

    Leaders from many countries denounce the attacks on civilians.

    She denounced the new law as unfair and cruel.

    Similarcondemn, criticize, censure, decry, deplore

    Oppositepraise, commend, applaud, endorse

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To formally accuse someone, often by telling the police or those in power.

    Like pointing at someone and telling the guards that they broke the law.

    A witness denounced the smuggler to the border guards.

    Under the regime, people who denounce their neighbors are rewarded.

    Similarreport, betray, accuse

    Note
  3. 3
    verbtransitive
    To officially announce that a treaty or agreement is ending.

    Like officially telling the other side that a deal is over.

    The government denounced the trade treaty last spring.

    Both nations can denounce the agreement with six months' notice.

    Similarrenounce, repudiate, terminate, abrogate, revoke

    Oppositeratify

    Note
  4. 4
    verbhistoricalUStransitive
    To claim the legal right to work a mine that has been left idle or barely used.

    Like taking over a garden that its owner has stopped looking after.

    Prospectors rushed to denounce the abandoned silver mine.

    He denounced the idle claim and registered it under his own name.

    Similarclaim

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To announce or declare something in a formal, official way.
    And full of peace, denouncing wrath to come
    1667, John Milton, Paradise LostHere, denouncing means announcing or declaring publicly.
    Note
  2. 6
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To openly threaten someone, often through a sign or warning.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin dēnūntiō meaning "to announce" or "to threaten," built from nūntius, meaning "messenger" or "message." It reached English through Old French denuncier.