applaud

[ uh-plawd ]
/ əˈplɔd /

verb (used without object)

to clap the hands as an expression of approval, appreciation, acclamation, etc.: They applauded wildly at the end of the opera.
to express approval; give praise; acclaim.

verb (used with object)

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

Origin of applaud

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

OTHER WORDS FROM applaud

Example sentences from the Web for applaud

British Dictionary definitions for applaud

applaud
/ (əˈplɔːd) /

verb

to indicate approval of (a person, performance, etc) by clapping the hands
(usually tr) to offer or express approval or praise of (an action, person, or thing) I applaud your decision

Derived forms of applaud

applauder, noun applauding, adjective applaudingly, adverb

Word Origin for applaud

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