censure Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun harsh criticism or disapproval
    animadversion.
  2. noun the state of being excommunicated
    exclusion; excommunication.
  3. verb rebuke formally
    criminate; reprimand.

WordNet

Cen"sure noun
Etymology
L. censura fr. censere: cf. F. censure. Cf. Censor.
Definitions
  1. Judgment either favorable or unfavorable; opinion. Obs.
    Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment. Shak.
  2. The act of blaming or finding fault with and condemning as wrong; reprehension; blame.
    Both the censure and the praise were merited. Macaulay.
  3. Judicial or ecclesiastical sentence or reprimand; condemnatory judgment.
    Excommunication or other censure of the church. Bp. Burnet.
    Syn. -- Blame; reproof; condemnation; reprobation; disapproval; disapprobation; reprehension; animadversion; reprimand; reflection; dispraise; abuse.
Cen"sure intransitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. ensurer.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Censured ; present participle & verbal noun Censuring
Definitions
  1. To form or express a judgment in regard to; to estimate; to judge. Obs. "Should I say more, you might well censure me a flatterer." Beau. & Fl.
  2. To find fault with and condemn as wrong; to blame; to express disapprobation of.
    I may be censured that nature thus gives way to loyalty. Shak.
  3. To condemn or reprimand by a judicial or ecclesiastical sentence. Shak. Syn. -- To blame; reprove; rebuke; condemn; reprehend; reprimand.
Cen"sure intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To judge. Obs. Shak.

Webster 1913