moralize

[ mawr-uh-lahyz, mor- ]

verb (used without object)

, mor·al·ized, mor·al·iz·ing.

1. to reflect on or express opinions about something in terms of right and wrong, especially in a self-righteous or tiresome way.

verb (used with object)

, mor·al·ized, mor·al·iz·ing.

1. to explain in a moral sense, or draw a moral from.
2. to improve the morals of.

moralize

/ ˈmɒrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. intr to make moral pronouncements
2. tr to interpret or explain in a moral sense
3. tr to improve the morals of

Derived Forms

• ˌmoraliˈzation, noun
• ˈmoralˌizer, noun

Other Words From

• moral·i·zation noun
• moral·izer noun
• moral·izing·ly adverb
• over·moral·ize verb overmoralized overmoralizing
• over·moral·izing·ly adverb
• un·moral·izing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of moralize¹

1350–1400; Middle English moralisen < Medieval Latin mōrālizāre. See moral, -ize

Example Sentences

He contends that moralizing gods spurred societal complexity because belief in moralizing gods leads to success in intergroup competition.

From Nautilus

Whitehouse and his colleagues write that social complexity precedes the advent of “moralizing gods” and hinges on an analysis of the Seshat database.

From Nautilus

However one goes about it, urging others to change their desires risks accusations of moralizing.

From Washington Post

No big surprise In 2nd, Mr. Moralize But who should take a curtain call?

From The Daily Beast

Then the medical man smiled gently, but I knew he would want to moralize on the story and I let fly again.

From Project Gutenberg

He could now moralize on the vanity of the world, the equality of mankind, and the happiness of a private station.

From Project Gutenberg

It is impossible to moralize conveniently when one is being hurried by a person at one's elbow.

From Project Gutenberg

As to the first, it was strange enough to moralize upon the after-fortunes of some of our contemporaries.

From Project Gutenberg

Then Homer does not moralize by the way, he does not usually approve or condemn; he simply states the deed and its consequences.

From Project Gutenberg