Condone

To accept and allow (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive) to continue. It implies a conscious decision not to express disapproval or take action against something that one finds objectionable. Often involves a level of tolerance or tacit agreement with the action, even if not outright support. The act of condoning often suggests a compromise or a willingness to overlook a transgression for various reasons, such as maintaining a relationship, avoiding conflict, or accepting the perceived inevitability of the behavior.

Condone meaning with examples

• The school administration was criticized for seeming to condone bullying by not implementing stricter disciplinary measures, even after several students reported the incidents. They were perceived as being too lenient, and the lack of consequence made others think the behaviour was acceptable, leading to further issues. The parents demanded swift and immediate intervention to address the situation and ensure safety on campus.
• In a show of empathy, she decided to condone her husband's occasional white lies to protect the feelings of his friends. She understood it was born from good intentions and wanted to avoid any unnecessary conflicts or discomfort within their social circle. She believed that her understanding would strengthen their marriage, even if some lies, went against her code of honesty.
• The company's board of directors faced scrutiny for condoning the CEO's lavish spending habits, despite poor financial performance. The apparent willingness to overlook the extravagant expenses raised questions about accountability and ethical standards within the organization. Shareholder concerns were raised about whether they were really doing what they were being paid to do.
• Although the law did not condone acts of vigilante justice, in some communities it was seen as a necessary response to a lack of law enforcement. The frustration with rising crime rates and the slow response of authorities created a climate where some residents felt compelled to take matters into their own hands. The ambiguity around this situation made things worse.