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 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

"What I cannot condone are acts of vandalism, costing taxpayers money. This is exactly what the illegal painting of red crosses on local roundabouts will do," he said.

From BBC

“This is illegitimate, this is a wrongful use of power, and I will not condone it, and I don’t want to be a part of setting a very bad and low precedent for future legislators.”

From Salon

While Mr Renton does not condone the violence, he believes "British people have had enough" of those arriving on smalls boats from France and being housed in hotels.

From BBC

Samadi doesn’t condone the leadership of Iran, which his parents fled the country to escape.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excuse 
• forget 
• forgive 
• ignore 
• wink at