disapprobation

American  

[dis-ap-ruh-bey-shuhn] / ˌdɪs æp rəˈbeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. disapproval; condemnation.

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disapprobation British  

/ ˌdɪsæprəʊˈbeɪʃən /

noun

1. moral or social disapproval

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Other Word Forms

• self-disapprobation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of disapprobation

First recorded in 1640–50; dis- ¹ + approbation

Explanation

If you show up for Thanksgiving dinner an hour late, covered in mud from a tag football game, your parents will give you a look of disapprobation. This means they seriously disapprove of your actions, despite the fact that you scored the winning touchdown. Disapprobation is a noun for the state of total disapproval and condemnation. It is often used in conjunction with a moral or social offense. Acts such as stealing an old lady's purse, defying your teachers or parents, vandalizing, or being a lying sneak are all things that are going to earn you disapprobation. But if you decide to change your evil ways and do something wonderful to earn praise, you'll find yourself back on the side of approbation.

Example Sentences

Disapprobation and ominous sounds greeted him as he came down from the platform.

From The Malady of the Century by Nordau, Max Simon

Disapprobation hurt me, I found—even that of people whom I did not admire.

From My Antonia by Cather, Willa Sibert

Disapprobation or ridicule, from our sensitiveness on this head, causes shyness and blushing much more readily than does approbation; though the latter with some persons is highly efficient.

From The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals by Darwin, Charles

Disapprobation and distrust had merged into abuse and persecution.

From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 1, January 1862 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various

Disapprobation -- N. disapprobation, disapproval; improbation†; disesteem, disvaluation†, displacency†; odium; dislike &c.

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark