condone

[kuhn-dohn]

verb (used with object)

condoned, condoning 

1. to disregard or overlook (something illegal, objectionable, or the like).

   The government condoned the computer hacking among rival corporations.

2. to give tacit approval to.

   By his silence, he seemed to condone their behavior.

3. to pardon or forgive (an offense); excuse.

   His employers are willing to condone the exaggerations they uncovered in his résumé.

4. to cause the condonation of; justify the pardoning of (an offense).

5. 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.

condone

/ kənˈdəʊn, ˌkɒndəʊˈneɪʃən /

verb

1. to overlook or forgive (an offence)

2. law (esp of a spouse) to pardon or overlook (an offence, usually adultery)

Other Word Forms

• condonable adjective
• condoner noun
• uncondoned adjective
• uncondoning adjective
• condonation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of condone¹

First recorded in 1615–25, but in general currency from its use in the British Divorce Act of 1857 (see condone def. 5 ); from Latin condōnāre “to absolve, grant pardon,” equivalent to con- “with, together” + dōnāre “to give”; con-, donate

Word History and Origins

Origin of condone¹

C19: from Latin condōnāre to remit a debt, from com- (intensive) + dōnāre to _donate

Example Sentences

Well, the obvious one is they see the imagery, and read the lyrics, and think we condone all this violence.

From Los Angeles Times

On Thursday, the Long Beach Unified School District said it does not “condone conduct that is disrespectful, discriminatory, or harmful.”

From Los Angeles Times

"I do not condone the actions of David Levy or other music executives toward an artist speaking their truth," she wrote on her Instagram story.

From BBC

“The removal of the memorial was not behavior that was condoned,” Monárrez said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Well good for you and if that’s what you want so be it but I don’t condone for ice and will never agree with what ice does to little kids and adults,” she texted back.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excuse 
• forget 
• forgive 
• ignore 
• wink at