formal 5K

Censure

UK //ˈsɛnʃə// US //ˈsɛnʃər// Pronunciation

Definition

To officially express strong disapproval of someone's actions.

Listen to definition

In simple words: To criticize someone officially or publicly.

Examples

• The committee decided to censure the officer for his misconduct.
• After the scandal, the politician faced censure from his party.
• The teacher had to censure the students for their inappropriate behavior.
• Public censure can significantly affect a person's reputation.
• The board issued a censure of the CEO for poor management decisions.

Usage notes

Used in formal contexts, often in politics or organizations when someone disapproves of another's actions. Not suitable for casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

censure + object

Memory hint

Think of 'censor' - imagine a critic scolding someone like a teacher.

Collocations

• face censure
• issue a censure
• censure motion
• public censure
• formally censure

Synonyms

• rebuke
• reprimand
• condemn
• criticize
• scold

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'censor' (to remove content).
• Using in informal contexts where it sounds too strong.
• Mistakenly spelling it as 'censorship' instead of 'censure'.