condone

American  

[kuhn-dohn] / kənˈdoʊn /

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.

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condone British  

/ kənˈdəʊn, ˌkɒndəʊˈneɪʃən /

verb

1. to overlook or forgive (an offence)

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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of condone

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

Example Sentences

“I do not condone this. Very disappointing to learn.”

From Salon

Kwatra’s supervisors condoned his distribution of gift cards and other perks to clients to entice them to continue shopping at Saks, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mr Graham said he did not condone any abuse.

From BBC

The country's Securities Regulatory Commission found that PwC, as the auditor, had "covered up and even condoned" financial fraud at Evergrande.

From BBC

He added: "I have never been involved in, nor have I facilitated, encouraged, or condoned, any form of illegal or improper activity."

From BBC

Related Words

• excuse
• forget
• forgive
• ignore
• wink at