The word 'applaud' is a loan word from Latin 'applaudere'

'Applaud' is a word borrowed from Latin 'applaudere'. The word entered the English language some time around the 15th century.

applaud [verb] [15th century]

• to express approval especially by clapping the hands
• to express approval of
• praise
• to show approval of especially by clapping the hands

See 'applaud' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Latin.

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French 'aplaudir' from Latin 'applaudere' from 'ad-' + 'plaudere' to applaud

See more loan words from 1400s.