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.
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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.