Censure

Censure is the expression of formal disapproval. It's a strong statement of condemnation, criticism, or blame, often publicly and officially, for actions or words deemed wrong or unacceptable. It can be a formal reprimand, a harsh rebuke, or an official judgment of disapproval. The act of censure implies a judgment of moral or legal wrong-doing and is designed to show disapproval, correct behaviour, and potentially bring about some form of punishment or consequence. It is often used in political, legal, or social contexts where accountability for actions is of importance. A successful censure can serve to deter similar actions from happening again.

Censure meaning with examples

• The committee voted to censure the senator for accepting illegal campaign donations, resulting in a formal public reprimand that tarnished his reputation and significantly impacted his ability to garner any future support. Many believed the censure was a needed step to show corruption would not be accepted in their community.
• The teacher was subjected to public censure from the school board after parents complained about inappropriate classroom content, sparking heated debates over free speech and educational boundaries. The resulting attention placed many new rules upon her.
• The athlete faced censure from the international sporting body after testing positive for a banned substance, leading to suspension and loss of titles, demonstrating the severity of the consequences for violating competition rules and bringing the game in to disrepute.
• Following the investigation, the board decided to censure the company's CEO for financial mismanagement, leading to his resignation and a comprehensive overhaul of the company's financial protocols. Many shareholders now felt that their money was safer.