verb (used with object), con·doned, con·don·ing.
- to disregard or overlook (something illegal, objectionable, or the like): The government condoned the computer hacking among rival corporations.
- to give tacit approval to: By his silence, he seemed to condone their behavior.
- to pardon or forgive (an offense); excuse: His employers are willing to condone the exaggerations they uncovered in his résumé.
- to cause the condonation of; justify the pardoning of (an offense).
- Law. to forgive or act so as to imply forgiveness of (a violation of the marriage vow): His spouse condoned his infidelity from the early years of their marriage.
verb (tr)
- to overlook or forgive (an offence)
- law (esp of a spouse) to pardon or overlook (an offence, usually adultery)
v.1857, from Latin condonare “to give up, remit, permit,” from com-, intensive prefix (see com-), + donare “to give” (see donation). Originally a legal term in the Matrimonial Causes Act, which made divorce a civil matter in Britain. Related: Condoned; condoning.