condone
UK: kənˈdəʊn | US: kənˈdoʊn
vt. to accept or allow behavior that is morally wrong or offensive
vt. to forgive or overlook an offense without punishment
The word condone originates from Latin condonare ("to give together" or "to forgive"). It originally implied a mutual agreement to overlook faults, evolving into its modern sense of tolerating or excusing wrongdoing. The prefix con- emphasizes collective acceptance, while -done reflects the act of granting leniency—as if "giving" forgiveness.
The school cannot condone cheating on exams.
Some cultures condone practices that others find unacceptable.
He condoned his friend’s mistake to avoid conflict.
Society often condones minor offenses but punishes serious ones.
The law does not condone violence under any circumstances.