applaud

[uh-plawd]

verb (used without object)

1. to clap the hands as an expression of approval, appreciation, acclamation, etc..

   They applauded wildly at the end of the opera.

2. to express approval; give praise; acclaim.

verb (used with object)

1. to clap the hands so as to show approval, appreciation, etc., of.

   to applaud an actor; to applaud a speech.

2. to praise or express approval of.

   to applaud a person's ambition.

applaud

/ əˈplɔːd /

verb

1. to indicate approval of (a person, performance, etc) by clapping the hands

2. (usually tr) to offer or express approval or praise of (an action, person, or thing)

   I applaud your decision

Other Word Forms

• applauder noun
• applaudingly adverb
• overapplaud verb
• reapplaud verb
• self-applauding adjective
• unapplauded adjective
• unapplauding adjective
• well-applauded adjective
• applauding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of applaud¹

1530–40; < Latin applaudere, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ + plaudere to clap the hands

Word History and Origins

Origin of applaud¹

C15: from Latin applaudere to clap, from plaudere to beat, applaud

Example Sentences

The audience applauded again when the Kremlin leader suggested that he would be prepared to meet Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky - but only on home soil.

From BBC

Wherever we go, in every city, rival fans applaud him.

From BBC

Disney and Universal applauded Warner Bros. for joining their legal battle.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, the Australian government last week took action that Israel applauded: ordering Iran's ambassador to leave the country based on allegations that the Iranian government directed antisemitic attacks in Sydney and Melbourne.

From BBC

Bowen was the player who went closest to the away supporters to applaud them but then became incensed.

From BBC

Related Words

• approve 
• cheer 
• commend 
• compliment 
• encourage 
• hail 
• laud 
• praise 
• recommend