condone
to disregard or overlook (something illegal, objectionable, or the like): The government condoned the computer hacking among rival corporations.
to give tacit approval to: By his silence, he seemed to condone their behavior.
to pardon or forgive (an offense); excuse: His employers are willing to condone the exaggerations they uncovered in his résumé.
to cause the condonation of; justify the pardoning of (an offense).
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.
Origin of condone
1Other words from condone
- con·don·a·ble, adjective
- con·don·er, noun
- un·con·doned, adjective
- un·con·don·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use condone in a sentence
Yet violent images are condoned in the “right” circumstances so long as they do not celebrate brutality.
Porn Stars Want to Know: Why Did Facebook Delete Me? | Aurora Snow | August 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe coaches thought that if it seemed like they condoned it, people wouldn't let their kids come play for Baylor.
Sham Classes and Crime Coverups Are the NCAA Normal | Robert Silverman | June 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTMoreover, neither the Polish government in exile nor the leaders of the Home Army condoned anti-Semitic measures.
‘Generation War’ Lets World War II Germans Off Too Easily | Jack Schwartz | January 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST“The thought or notion that this kind of behavior is condoned or authorized is just absurd,” Sullivan said, almost scoffing.
Senate Panel Quizzes Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan on Colombian Prostitutes | Daniel Stone | May 23, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTAllegations of church-condoned baby trafficking are not confined to Spain.
Spain’s Baby-Snatching Scandal Focuses on Nun’s Alleged Role | Mike Elkin | April 11, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
He condoned the infamous conduct of the police officer Contenson.
Repertory Of The Comedie Humaine, Complete, A -- Z | Anatole Cerfberr and Jules Franois ChristopheGiz is somewhat dirtier than Lut'er but the dirt is less assimilated and consequently less to be condoned.
Fifty Contemporary One-Act Plays | VariousThey have defended and condoned the industrial exploitation of children.
The Necessity of Atheism | Dr. D.M. BrooksHe had invaded the territory of a neutral power and driven off its representatives; but everything was condoned.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume XII | John LordWhile the marriage of the clergy was checked, irregular and temporary connexions were lightly condoned.
British Dictionary definitions for condone
/ (kənˈdəʊn) /
to overlook or forgive (an offence)
law (esp of a spouse) to pardon or overlook (an offence, usually adultery)
Origin of condone
1Derived forms of condone
- condonable, adjective
- condonation (ˌkɒndəʊˈneɪʃən), noun
- condoner, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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