laud

¹

[lawd]

verb (used with object)

1. to praise; extol.

   Synonyms: honor, applaud
   Antonyms: censure

noun

1. a song or hymn of praise.

2. (used with a singular or plural verb),  lauds, a canonical hour, marked especially by psalms of praise, usually recited with matins.

Laud

²

[lawd]

noun

1. William, 1573–1645, archbishop of Canterbury and opponent of Puritanism: executed for treason.

laud

¹

/ lɔːd /

verb

1. (tr) to praise or glorify

noun

1. praise or glorification

Laud

²

/ lɔːd /

noun

1. William. 1573–1645, English prelate; archbishop of Canterbury (1633–45). His persecution of Puritans and his High Church policies in England and Scotland were a cause of the Civil War; he was impeached by the Long Parliament (1640) and executed

Other Word Forms

• lauder noun
• laudator noun
• overlaud verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of laud¹

First recorded in 1300–50; (verb) Middle English lauden, from Latin laudāre “to praise,” derivative of laus (stem laud- ) “praise”; (noun) Middle English laude, back formation from laudes (plural), from Late Latin, special use of plural of Latin laus “praise”

Word History and Origins

Origin of laud¹

C14: vb from Latin laudāre; n from laudēs, pl of Latin laus praise

Example Sentences

He lauded Kirk’s “commitment to debate,” adding, “The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse.”

From Salon

Hawke and Wilson, in their respective statements, lauded Redford for his commitment to environmental causes.

From Los Angeles Times

From 2007 to 2009, thousands of Mancunians and fans from across the UK followed Hatton to Sin City's famous Strip to throw their support behind a boxer they lauded as the sport's 'people's champion'.

From BBC

His battle to overcome the physical, emotional and mental trauma of his ordeal was lauded by his club.

From BBC

He lauded the movie scenes that showcased Candy’s “humor, humanity and humility” and the ones where his lovable characters would snap.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admire 
• adore 
• celebrate 
• commend 
• compliment 
• eulogize 
• extol 
• honor 
• revere