laud
LAWDverbMeaning to praise highly
Memory hook LAUD = praise out LOUD. Grandpa Gus reads Pip’s poem and praises it so loud the whole street can hear: “Best poem ever written!” To praise that highly is to laud.
Critics lauded the new bridge as a work of art.
In context Though the inventor had been mocked for years, the scientists who once doubted him now lauded his work, calling it the most important discovery of the decade.
Similar praise, hail, acclaim
Opposite criticize, condemn, belittle
From Latin laudare, “to praise,” from laus, praise.