Words / C2

SENSH-uh/ˈsenʃə/

Censure is strong official criticism (also a verb: to censure): a vote of censure, censure a member. To criticise (already in the dictionary) is everyday; to condemn (already in the dictionary) is to say strongly that something is wrong. Opprobrium (already in the dictionary) is public shame and blame, of the storm not of the formal act; scathing (already in the dictionary) is of a harshly critical tone. Corridor heat is not a numbered objection.

Meaning

Strong official criticism (also a verb: to censure).

Examples

• “Censure in the corridor is not a numbered objection.”
• “To criticise is everyday (already in B2). To condemn is to say it is wrong (already in B2). Opprobrium is public shame (already in C2). Scathing is harshly critical (already in C2). A dated finding can still be sharp. Heat in the stairwell is theatre. Put the ask on paper; then the pathos.”

Good to know

Official strong criticism (also a verb). Everyday: criticise / condemn (already in this dictionary). Close: opprobrium (already in C2). Contrast: scathing (of tone — already in C2). A corridor is not a minute.

Near in meaning

rebuke, reprimand, condemnation, reproof

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