English vocabulary · B2
Denounce
/dɪˈnaʊns/ · v.
To denounce someone is to say in public they did wrong. You want others to agree it was wrong.
Watch the Denounce lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The senator chose to denounce the law.
- Neighbors met to denounce the decision.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — against (from Latin)
- nounce — announce (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CONDEMN — say something is very wrong (Strong Disapproval)
- CRITICIZE — say what is wrong with someone (Points Out Faults)
- ACCUSE — say someone did something wrong (Blames Directly)
Words with the same root
nounce — announce
- announce — tell people something publicly
- pronounce — say a word clearly and correctly
- renounce — formally give up or reject something
Lesson notes
To denounce someone is to say in public they did wrong. You want others to agree it was wrong.
Related: condemn, criticize, accuse. Use denounce when someone attacks another.
The senator chose to denounce the law. Neighbors met to denounce the decision.
From Latin. De- means against. Nounce- means announce. Speaking against someone in public — that is denounce.