denounce
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To publicly declare something to be wrong, evil, or unacceptable; to condemn strongly.
To formally accuse someone of a crime or wrongdoing, often before authorities. To announce the termination of an agreement, such as a treaty.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries connotations of public, formal, and moral condemnation. Implies a declaration intended to shame or censure, often accompanied by a call for action against the denounced person or thing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in core meaning or usage. The term is used with equal formality in both varieties. The formal 'announce termination of a treaty' sense is more frequent in diplomatic/legal contexts common to both.
Connotations
Equally strong negative judgment in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American political and media discourse, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
denounce sb/sth (as sth)denounce sb/sth for (doing) sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the verb 'denounce'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The CEO denounced the fraudulent practices uncovered in the audit.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, law. 'The historian denounced the revisionist interpretation as propaganda.'
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation; used in news contexts. 'Neighbours denounced the planned closure of the local library.'
Technical
In law/diplomacy: 'The state party denounced the Geneva Convention protocol.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister was quick to denounce the proposal as unworkable.
- Several MPs denounced the Prime Minister for misleading the House.
American English
- The senator took to the floor to denounce the bill as unconstitutional.
- Community leaders denounced the police brutality captured on video.
adverb
British English
- No common adverb form.
American English
- No common adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective form. 'Denunciatory' is very rare.
American English
- No common adjective form. 'Denunciatory' is very rare.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher denounced cheating during the exam.
- Many people denounced the new law.
- Human rights groups have denounced the court's decision as a travesty of justice.
- The opposition leader publicly denounced the corruption scandal enveloping the government.
- The archbishop's letter denounced the rising culture of consumerism as a moral failing.
- The ambassador formally denounced the treaty, citing repeated violations by the other signatory.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'deNOUNCE' – you are making a public NOUNcement (announcement) of strong disapproval.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONDEMNATION IS A PUBLIC DECLARATION / MORAL WRONG IS A CONTAGION TO BE EXPOSED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct equivalent of 'денонсировать' (to denounce a treaty) in all contexts. The Russian word 'осуждать' covers 'condemn', 'sentence', and 'denounce', so context is key. Avoid using 'denounce' for simple personal disapproval between individuals.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'insult' (it requires a public or formal element). Wrong: *'He denounced me in private.' Correct: 'He insulted me in private.' / Confusing 'denounce' with 'renounce' (to give up).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'denounce' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Denounce' strongly implies a public, formal declaration aimed at exposing wrong and often inciting others to condemnation. 'Condemn' is broader and can be a final, conclusive judgment (like a court condemning a building) or a strong expression of personal disapproval, not necessarily public.
You can denounce people, actions, policies, ideas, or systems. The object of denunciation is anything perceived as morally wrong or harmful (e.g., denounce racism, denounce a theory, denounce a dictator).
Yes, etymologically. Both come from Latin 'nuntiare', meaning 'to announce'. 'De-' adds a negative sense, so 'denounce' means to announce something as bad.
The primary noun is 'denunciation'. The agent noun is 'denouncer'.