verb

condone

/kənˈdoʊn/ · say it: kuhn·DOHN

to overlook or forgive an offense

In Debate & Persuasion

In more detail

1. (verb) to accept or overlook something wrong or illegal without punishing or criticizing it

2. (verb) to treat something as acceptable when it is actually harmful or wrong

Examples

1. The school will not condone bullying among students.
2. We cannot condone violence as a solution to problems.

How to use condone

Condone is used when someone deliberately accepts or ignores wrongdoing without objecting or taking action. It typically carries a negative connotation, implying tacit approval or permissiveness toward something harmful or unethical. Unlike excuse, which may acknowledge a reason, condone focuses on failing to punish or criticize.

Common phrases

condone violence
condone behavior
cannot condone
strongly condemn
refuse to condone

Synonyms

overlook · ignore · tolerate · excuse · pardon

Opposites

condemn · punish · censure

Word family

condoned · condoning · condonable

A common mistake

Learners often confuse condone with condemn, which means the opposite; condone means to allow or overlook, while condemn means to express strong disapproval.

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