糾弾する

• Reading: きゅうだんする
• Romaji: kyudansuru
• Kanji breakdown: 糾 (kyuu) — investigate, twist together; 弾 (dan) — strike, censure, impeach
• Pronunciation: /kjɯː.da.ɴ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To denounce; to condemn publicly; to call someone to account for wrongdoing; to censure with strong moral force.

An irregular verb (Group 3, する verb) used in formal, political, and journalistic contexts. Stronger than 批判する (to criticise), 糾弾する implies a public, forceful moral indictment. Often used when an individual or organisation is being held to account before an audience — in a parliamentary debate, press conference, or social movement. The noun 糾弾 frequently appears in political discourse and protest contexts.

Examples

1. 市民団体は政府の不正な補助金運用を公開の場で糾弾した。 A citizens' group publicly denounced the government's improper use of subsidies.
2. 汚職が発覚した議員を糾弾する声が、野党から一斉に上がった。 Voices from the opposition denouncing the politician exposed for corruption rose in unison.
3. 人権侵害を糾弾する国際的な圧力が高まり、政府はついに対話の席についた。 Growing international pressure denouncing human rights abuses eventually brought the government to the negotiating table.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, journalism, human rights, public accountability

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From 糾 (kyuu — to twist together, to investigate closely) and 弾 (dan — to strike, to censure, to impeach). The combination conveys the image of binding someone tightly and striking out an accusation against them.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated