the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, especially in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion: a man of sound judgment.
the demonstration or exercise of such ability or capacity: The major was decorated for the judgment he showed under fire.
the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind: Our judgment as to the cause of his failure must rest on the evidence.
the opinion formed: He regretted his hasty judgment.
the obligation, especially a debt, arising from a judicial decision.
the certificate embodying such a decision and issued against the obligor, especially a debtor.
a misfortune regarded as inflicted by divine sentence, as for sin.
(usually initial capital letter) Also called Last Judgment, Final Judgment.the final trial of all people, both the living and dead, at the end of the world.
Also especially British, judge·ment.
Origin of judgment
1250–1300;Middle Englishjug(g)ement < Old Frenchjugement, equivalent to juge- (stem of jugier to judge) + -ment-ment
Related formsin·ter·judg·ment, nounre·judg·ment, noun
the faculty of being able to make critical distinctions and achieve a balanced viewpoint; discernment
the decision or verdict pronounced by a court of law
an obligation arising as a result of such a decision or verdict, such as a debt
the document recording such a decision or verdict
(as modifier)a judgment debtor
the formal decision of one or more judges at a contest or competition
a particular decision or opinion formed in a case in dispute or doubt
an estimationa good judgment of distance
criticism or censure
logic
the act of establishing a relation between two or more terms, esp as an affirmation or denial
the expression of such a relation
against one's better judgmentcontrary to a more appropriate or preferred course of action
sit in judgment
to preside as judge
to assume the position of critic
in someone's judgmentin someone's opinion
Judgment
noun
the estimate by God of the ultimate worthiness or unworthiness of the individual (the Particular Judgment) or of all mankind (the General Judgment or Last Judgment)
God's subsequent decision determining the final destinies of all individuals
mid-13c., "action of trying at law, trial," also "capacity for making decisions," from Old French jugement "legal judgment; diagnosis; the Last Judgment" (11c.), from jugier (see judge (v.)). From late 13c. as "penalty imposed by a court;" early 14c. as "any authoritative decision, verdict." From c.1300 in referfence to the Last Judgment. Also from c.1300 as "opinion." Sense of "discernment" is first recorded 1530s.
