censure

[ sen-sher ]

noun

1. strong or vehement expression of disapproval:

   The newspapers were unanimous in their censure of the tax proposal.

   Synonyms: animadversion, stricture, reprimand, rebuke, reprehension, reproach, reproof, condemnation

   Antonyms: praise

2. an official reprimand, as by a legislative body of one of its members.

   Antonyms: praise

verb (used with object)

, cen·sured, cen·sur·ing.

1. to criticize or reproach in a harsh or vehement manner:

   She is more to be pitied than censured.

   Synonyms: chide, rebuke, reprove

   Antonyms: praise

verb (used without object)

, cen·sured, cen·sur·ing.

1. to give censure, adverse criticism, disapproval, or blame.

censure

/ ˈsɛnʃə /

noun

1. severe disapproval; harsh criticism

verb

1. to criticize (someone or something) severely; condemn

Derived Forms

• ˈcensurer, noun

Other Words From

• censur·er noun
• censure·less adjective
• mis·censure verb miscensured miscensuring
• pre·censure verb (used with object) precensured precensuring
• pro·censure adjective
• super·censure noun
• un·censured adjective
• un·censur·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of censure¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin cēnsūra censor's office, assessment, equivalent to cēns ( us ) past participle of cēnsēre ( censor ) + -ūra -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of censure¹

C14: from Latin cēnsūra, from cēnsēre to consider, assess

Synonym Study

See abuse. See blame, reprimand.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, the Anti-Defamation League issued a statement deploring the state GOP for its failure to censure Duke.

From The Daily Beast

American universities have come under censure for failing to adequately protect students from sexual and physical assault.

From The Daily Beast

Thompson escaped the ire of Times reporters and avoided official censure during a subsequent BBC investigation.

From The Daily Beast

The article states that the agency could have voted sanctions against Maco ranging from censure to disbarment.

From The Daily Beast

Still, Bergé insisted that he did not get overly involved or censure the film in any way.

From The Daily Beast

As such it is now presented to the public for whatever meed of praise or censure it is found to deserve.

From Project Gutenberg

I issued a censure, and ordered that no one should agree to their conclusions, and that the Dominicans should not hold them.

From Project Gutenberg

I cannot too severely censure the habit of using sentences which admit of a double meaning.

From Project Gutenberg

It may, perhaps, be one of the unfortunate works which have already fallen under his censure.

From Project Gutenberg

I therefore do not censure those who desire to see their daughters happily and suitably established in life.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• condemnation
• rebuke
• reprimand