judgment: Meaning and Definition of

judg•ment

Pronunciation: ( juj'munt), [key]
— n.
  1. an act or instance of judging.
  2. the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, esp. in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion: a man of sound judgment.
  3. the demonstration or exercise of such ability or capacity: The major was decorated for the judgment he showed under fire.
  4. the forming of an opinion, estimate, notion, or conclusion, as from circumstances presented to the mind: Our judgment as to the cause of his failure must rest on the evidence.
  5. the opinion formed: He regretted his hasty judgment.
    1. a judicial decision given by a judge or court.
    2. the obligation, esp. a debt, arising from a judicial decision.
    3. the certificate embodying such a decision and issued against the obligor, esp. a debtor.
  6. a misfortune regarded as inflicted by divine sentence, as for sin.
  7. (usually cap.) Also calledthe final trial of all people, both the living and dead, at the end of the world.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also: