谴责 means 'to condemn' — expressing strong disapproval, especially in moral or ethical matters. It combines two characters: 谴 (qiǎn), meaning 'to reprimand' or 'to censure', and 责 (zé), meaning 'to blame' or 'to hold responsible'. Together, they form a formal, weighty verb emphasizing public or official moral judgment, not casual criticism. It is commonly used in news reports, political statements, academic writing, and formal speeches.

This word carries a serious, solemn tone and implies collective or institutional disapproval — for example, governments condemning human rights violations, media criticizing unethical behavior, or international organizations denouncing aggression. Unlike everyday words like 批评 (to criticize), 谴责 suggests a higher level of moral outrage and often precedes or accompanies concrete actions like sanctions or diplomatic measures. It is rarely used in casual conversation and almost never with light or humorous intent.