condone
to overlook or allow wrongdoing without objection
Roots
- com-: with, together, complete, or intensified
- don / donate: give, gift, or give up
Other words with the don / donate root
Condone began as giving up a claim or punishment; now it means letting a wrong pass.
The committee did not condone cheating, even when the pressure was high.
Condone is quiet permission. Someone may not praise the action, but by giving up objection or punishment, they let it stand. That is why condone often feels morally serious.