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Applaud

 - 2 dictionary results

ap⋅plaud

[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)
3. to clap the hands so as to show approval, appreciation, etc., of: to applaud an actor; to applaud a speech.
4. to praise or express approval of: to applaud a person's ambition.

Origin:
1530–40; < L applaudere, equiv. to ap- ap- 1 + plaudere to clap the hands


ap⋅plaud⋅er, noun
ap⋅plaud⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Applaud
ap·plaud   (ə-plôd')   
v.   ap·plaud·ed, ap·plaud·ing, ap·plauds

v.   intr.
To express approval, especially by clapping the hands.
v.   tr.
  1. To express approval of (someone or something) especially by such clapping.

  2. To commend highly; praise: applauded her decision to complete her degree.


[Middle English applauden, from Latin applaudere : ad-, ad- + plaudere, to clap.]
ap·plaud'a·ble adj., ap·plaud'a·bly adv., ap·plaud'er n.
Synonyms: These verbs mean to express approval or encouragement audibly: applauded at the end of the concert; cheered when the home team scored; rooting for the underdog in the tennis championship.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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