condone

American  

[kuhn-dohn] / kənˈdoʊn /

verb (used with object)

condoned, condoning

1. to disregard or overlook (something illegal, objectionable, or the like).

   The government condoned the computer hacking among rival corporations.

2. to give tacit approval to.

   By his silence, he seemed to condone their behavior.

3. to pardon or forgive (an offense); excuse.

   His employers are willing to condone the exaggerations they uncovered in his résumé.

4. to cause the condonation of; justify the pardoning of (an offense).

5. Law. to forgive or act so as to imply forgiveness of (a violation of the marriage vow).

   His spouse condoned his infidelity from the early years of their marriage.

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condone British  

/ kənˈdəʊn, ˌkɒndəʊˈneɪʃən /

verb

1. to overlook or forgive (an offence)

2. law (esp of a spouse) to pardon or overlook (an offence, usually adultery)

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Other Word Forms

• condonable
  adjective
• condonation
  noun
• condoner
  noun
• uncondoned
  adjective
• uncondoning
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of condone

First recorded in 1615–25, but in general currency from its use in the British Divorce Act of 1857 (see condone def. 5 ); from Latin condōnāre “to absolve, grant pardon,” equivalent to con- “with, together” + dōnāre “to give”; see origin at con-, donate

Explanation

If you condone something, you allow it, approve of it, or at least can live with it. Some teachers condone chewing gum, and some don't. Things that are condoned are allowed, even if everyone isn't exactly thrilled about it. People often say, "I don't condone what he did, but I understand it." Condoning is like excusing something. People seem to talk more about things they don't condone than things they do condone. Your mom might say, "I don't condone you staying up till 10, but I know you need to read." That's a way of giving approval and not giving approval at the same time.

Example Sentences

It isn't the gown compels me Condone this venial sin; It's the pretty face above the lace, And the gentle heart within.

From Second Book of Verse by Field, Eugene

Condone, kon-dōn′, v.t. to forgive: to pass over.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Condone means "to forgive" or "nullify by word or act," not "make amends for."

From Word Study and English Grammar A Primer of Information about Words, Their Relations and Their Uses by Hamilton, Frederick W. (Frederick William)

Related Words

• excuse
• forget
• forgive
• ignore
• wink at