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.