verb (used without object) to clap the hands as an expression of approval, appreciation, acclamation, etc.: They applauded wildly at the end of the opera.
to express approval; give praise; acclaim.
verb (used with object) to clap the hands so as to show approval, appreciation, etc., of: to applaud an actor; to applaud a speech.
to praise or express approval of: to applaud a person's ambition.
Origin of applaud 1530–40; <
Latin applaudere, equivalent to
ap- ap-1 +
plaudere to clap the hands
Related forms ap·plaud·er , noun ap·plaud·ing·ly , adverb o·ver·ap·plaud , verb re·ap·plaud , verb self-ap·plaud·ing , adjective un·ap·plaud·ed , adjective un·ap·plaud·ing , adjective well-ap·plaud·ed , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for applaud encourage ,
laud ,
commend ,
cheer ,
hail ,
praise ,
recommend ,
approve ,
compliment ,
plug ,
glorify ,
magnify ,
boost ,
eulogize ,
acclaim ,
rave ,
root ,
extol Examples from the Web for applaud Contemporary Examples of applaud It seems backwards to applaud what is already necessary, what has already been clear for a long time.
Far beyond his well-earned lucre, this is the reason to applaud Radcliffe the most.
They were up on their feet so often to applaud the Texas senator that his speech was practically an aerobics class.
I applaud Paul Ryan and the CBC members for their willingness to engage while respectfully listening to what each had to say.
If it was The View, someone off to the side would be motioning for the audience to applaud .
Historical Examples of applaud But self-improvement is a dull game when there is no one to applaud your score.
I had an indescribable sense that I ought to applaud , as if I were a public meeting.
And every body will applaud an event that every body expects.
What are you the worse if the people hiss at you, so you applaud yourself?
When he spoke all was tranquility of attention, and every mouth was open to applaud .
British Dictionary definitions for applaud verb to indicate approval of (a person, performance, etc) by clapping the hands
(usually tr) to offer or express approval or praise of (an action, person, or thing) I applaud your decision
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Derived Forms applauder , noun applauding , adjective applaudingly , adverb Word Origin for applaud C15: from Latin applaudere to clap, from plaudere to beat, applaud
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for applaud v. late 15c. (implied in applauding ), "to express agreement or approval; to praise," from Latin applaudere "to clap the hands in approbation, to approve by clapping hands; to strike upon, beat," from ad "to" (see ad- ) + plaudere "to clap" (see plaudit ). Sense of "express approval of" is from 1590s; that of "to clap the hands" is from 1590s. Figurative sense arrived in English before literal. Related: Applauded ; applauding .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
