What is the act of expressing disapproval or disappointment about someone else's actions?

The act of expressing disapproval or disappointment about someone else's actions is aptly described by the term "censure." Censure involves a formal expression of disapproval and often exists in contexts like governmental or organizational settings where a body might officially reprimand an individual for their conduct. It carries a connotation of strong disapproval that is publicly recognized, serving both to signal the discontent of the authority and to potentially deter similar actions in the future.

While terms like condemnation, critique, and reproof do communicate disapproval, they do so in different contexts or with varying degrees of intensity. Condemnation typically suggests a more severe denunciation of actions, often implying moral judgment. A critique might be more analytical, focusing on evaluation rather than outright disapproval. Reproof carries a connotation of gentle reprimand, which may not imply the same level of public acknowledgment or formality as censure. Thus, "censure" most precisely encapsulates the formal act of conveying disapproval of someone's actions.