Legal Definitions - condone

Definition: To condone means to forgive, overlook, or pardon someone's wrong or illegal action, which can make it seem like the action is acceptable.

For example, if a manager knows that an employee is doing something wrong but doesn't do anything to stop it, they are condoning the behavior. In legal cases, if a corporation's officers or directors condone illegal behavior, the corporation may be subject topunitive damages.

In the context of divorce, condone means to forgive a spouse's wrongdoing, such as infidelity.

Example: The CEO of the company was found to have condoned the illegal actions of his subordinates, leading to the company being fined millions of dollars.

Explanation: The CEO knew about the illegal actions but did not take any action to stop them, which made it seem like the actions were acceptable to him. This led to the company being punished for the illegal behavior.