to show enjoyment or approval of something such as a performance or speech by clapping the hands repeatedly to make a noise

You should have heard the audience applaud - the noise was fantastic. 你真应该听听观众的掌声——那才叫掌声雷动。

She was applauded for a full five minutes after her speech. 她演讲结束后，掌声持续了整整5分钟。

to say that you admire and agree with a person's action or decision

We applaud the family's decision to remain silent over the issue. 我们非常赞赏这一家人对此事保持沉默的决定。