How to Sign "Condemn"

To sign 'condemn', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger. Strike the side of your dominant index finger sharply down and slightly forward across the palm of your non-dominant hand.

Examples Using "Condemn" in a Sentence

1

The city will condemn the old building.

Sign 'condemn' with a firm, decisive strike to show the official nature of the city's action against the building.

2

We condemn his bad behavior.

Use a stern facial expression while signing 'condemn' to emphasize your strong disapproval of the behavior.

3

The judge condemned the criminal.

Sign 'judge', then use a sharp, downward movement for 'condemn' to represent the finality of the legal ruling.

How to Sign "Condemn"
To sign 'condemn', start by holding your non-dominant hand flat in front of you with the palm facing up. Form a '1' handshape with your dominant hand by extending your index finger. Strike the side of your dominant index finger sharply down and slightly forward across the palm of your non-dominant hand.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents laying down a harsh judgment or striking a record. The sharp, downward strike of the finger against the palm mimics the act of crossing something out or delivering a firm penalty.
Signing Tips
Make sure the movement of your dominant hand is sharp and deliberate. The speed and force of the strike help convey the seriousness and severity of the word 'condemn'. Always pair this sign with a stern or serious facial expression.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is tapping the palm too gently, which fails to convey the strong meaning of the word. Another mistake is using a flat dominant hand instead of the '1' handshape, which can make the sign look like 'stop' or 'excuse me'.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Condemn" in a Sentence
1

The city will condemn the old building.

Sign 'condemn' with a firm, decisive strike to show the official nature of the city's action against the building.

2

We condemn his bad behavior.

Use a stern facial expression while signing 'condemn' to emphasize your strong disapproval of the behavior.

3

The judge condemned the criminal.

Sign 'judge', then use a sharp, downward movement for 'condemn' to represent the finality of the legal ruling.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can this sign be used for 'penalize' or 'punish'?

Yes, this sign is conceptually similar and is often used to mean 'penalize' or 'punish'. The context of your sentence and your mouth movements will help clarify that you mean 'condemn'.

Does my facial expression matter for this sign?

Absolutely. 'Condemn' is a strong, negative word. Your facial expression should be serious, stern, or disapproving to match the weight of the concept.

Which part of the index finger strikes the palm?

You should strike the palm with the side or the bottom edge of your extended index finger, moving it slightly forward as it makes contact.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!