French word

dénoncer

Pronunciation

IPA/denɔ̃se/

Meaning

  • verbcondemn

Example

Elle a dénoncé les propos racistes.

She condemned the racist remarks.

Illustration for dénoncer (condemn)

More examples

La journaliste a dénoncé un scandale.

The journalist denounced a scandal.

Core concept

A hidden fault, harmful statement, or blameworthy act is brought into the open so others can condemn or act on it.

Common phrases

  • dénoncer une injustice

    denounce an injustice

  • dénoncer un comportement

    denounce a behavior

  • dénoncer publiquement

    denounce publicly

Similar words

signaler: Notify the relevant people or authorities about a problem, danger, or rule violation.
accuser: Accuse someone of wrongdoing and hold them responsible for it.
révéler: Bring concealed facts or information into public view.
critiquer: Criticize actions or remarks by identifying their faults.

Definition in French

Accuser ou critiquer publiquement une personne, une action ou une idée, et parfois informer une autorité d'un fait répréhensible.

Word origin

Dénoncer developed from Latin denuntiare through Old French denoncier, with the sense of reporting something that demands attention.

Usage tips

  • The verb takes a direct object, as in dénoncer les propos racistes, while the authority can follow with à, as in dénoncer quelqu'un à la police.

Other meanings

  • reportverb
  • inform on ___verb
  • exposeverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word