'denounce' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'denuntiare', where 'de-' meant 'completely' (or a strengthening prefix) and 'nuntiare' meant 'to announce'.

'denounce' changed from Old French 'denoncer' (or 'denoncier') and Middle English 'denouncen' and eventually became the modern English word 'denounce'.

Initially it meant 'to announce or make known (often as a formal declaration)'; over time it evolved to mean 'to publicly condemn' or 'to report/accuse to authorities'.