denunciatory
|de-nun-ci-a-to-ry|
🇺🇸
/dɪˈnʌn.sɪˌeɪ.tɔr.i/
🇬🇧
/dɪˈnʌn.sɪ.ə.tɔː.ri/
publicly condemn
Etymology
'denunciatory' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'denuntiare', where the prefix 'de-' meant 'completely/away' and 'nuntiare' meant 'to report or announce'; the adjective was formed in English with the suffix '-atory'.
'denunciatory' changed from Latin 'denuntiare' to Old French forms 'denoncier/denoncer', then to Middle English 'denouncen' and 'denunciation', and eventually developed the English adjective 'denunciatory' from 'denunciation'.
Initially it meant 'to announce or proclaim', but over time it evolved into its current sense of 'publicly condemn or accuse'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
expressing strong condemnation; publicly accusing or criticizing someone or something.
The editorial took a denunciatory tone toward the company's safety record.
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Adjective 2
intended to denounce or serve as a denunciation; serving to expose wrongdoing or blame.
Her speech was openly denunciatory, aiming to expose corruption within the organization.
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Last updated: 2025/11/13 13:55