When a group of people applaud, they clap their hands in order to show approval, for example when they have enjoyed a play or concert. The audience laughed and applauded Every person stood to applaud his unforgettable act of courage
When an attitude or action is applauded, people praise it. He should be applauded for his courage This last move can only be applauded She applauds the fact that they are promoting new ideas
[ &-'plod ] (verb.) 15th century. Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French applaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud.