U

applaud

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.

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

late 15c. (implied in applauding), “to express agreement or approval; to praise,” from Latin applaudere “to clap the hands in approbation, to approve by clapping hands; to strike upon, beat,” from ad “to” (see ad-) + plaudere “to clap” (see plaudit). Sense of “express approval of” is from 1590s; that of “to clap the hands” is from 1590s. Figurative sense arrived in English before literal. Related: Applauded; applauding.