1. [v]  express approval of; "I applaud your efforts"
2. [v]  clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

APPLAUD is a 7 letter word that starts with A.

1. \Ap*plaud"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Applauded}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Applauding}.] [L. applaudere; ad + plaudere to clash,
   to clap the hands: cf. F. applaudir. Cf. {Explode}.]
   1. To show approval of by clapping the hands, acclamation, or
      other significant sign.
            I would applaud thee to the very echo, That should
            applaud again.                        --Shak.
   2. To praise by words; to express approbation of; to commend;
      to approve.
            By the gods, I do applaud his courage. --Shak.
   Syn: To praise; extol; commend; cry up; magnify; approve. See
        {Praise}.
   

2. \Ap*plaud"\, v. i.
   To express approbation loudly or significantly.