applaud Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval
    acclaim; spat; clap.
  2. verb express approval of
    • I applaud your efforts

WordNet

Ap*plaud" transitive verb
Etymology
L. applaudere; ad + plaudere to clash, to clap the hands: cf. F. applaudir. Cf. Explode.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Applauded; present participle & verbal noun Applauding
Definitions
  1. To show approval of by clapping the hands, acclamation, or other significant sign.
    I would applaud thee to the very echo, That should applaud again. Shak.
  2. To praise by words; to express approbation of; to commend; to approve.
    By the gods, I do applaud his courage. Shak.
    Syn. -- To praise; extol; commend; cry up; magnify; approve. See Praise.
Ap*plaud" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To express approbation loudly or significantly.

Webster 1913