applaud

[uh-plawd]

verb (used without object)

1. to clap the hands as an expression of approval, appreciation, acclamation, etc..

   They applauded wildly at the end of the opera.

2. to express approval; give praise; acclaim.

verb (used with object)

1. to clap the hands so as to show approval, appreciation, etc., of.

   to applaud an actor; to applaud a speech.

2. to praise or express approval of.

   to applaud a person's ambition.

applaud

/ əˈplɔːd /

verb

1. to indicate approval of (a person, performance, etc) by clapping the hands

2. (usually tr) to offer or express approval or praise of (an action, person, or thing)

   I applaud your decision

Other Word Forms

• applauder noun
• applaudingly adverb
• overapplaud verb
• reapplaud verb
• self-applauding adjective
• unapplauded adjective
• unapplauding adjective
• well-applauded adjective
• applauding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of applaud¹

1530–40; < Latin applaudere, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + plaudere to clap the hands

Word History and Origins

Origin of applaud¹

C15: from Latin applaudere to clap, from plaudere to beat, applaud

Example Sentences

Set Active devotees applauded when the hot fitness apparel brand announced a limited-release drop of pink clothing slated for Oct.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

I applaud the administration’s initiative to sign a critical-minerals accord with Australia.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It was just extraordinary to get that cross section of people who care together,” says Earle, who applauded Eilish’s “passion for nature and the ocean.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They applauded at the end and the group started to disperse shortly after.

Read more on BBC

Convicted murderers sit alongside famous actors and journalists, applauding films made by their fellow inmates.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• approve 
• cheer 
• commend 
• compliment 
• encourage 
• hail 
• laud 
• praise 
• recommend