Etymology Map
Back to all words

Condemn

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to express disapproval of; to sentence

Where does the word "condemn" come from? It comes from Latin condemnare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
condemnare
Latin · ancient
"to sentence"
'com-' plus 'damnare', to condemn, the root of 'damn'
2
Stage 2 of 3
condemner
Old French · medieval
"to condemn"
the root of 'damn' and 'damage'
3
Stage 3 of 3
condemn
English · 1300s
"to sentence"
condemned buildings date from the 1700s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Condemn’s story begins in Latin: condemnare meant “to sentence.” 'com-' plus 'damnare', to condemn, the root of 'damn'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as condemner. The root of 'damn' and 'damage'. It reached English by 1300s as condemn. Condemned buildings date from the 1700s. Today, condemn means to express disapproval of; to sentence.