criticize

especially British, crit·i·cise

[krit-uh-sahyz]

verb (used with object)

criticized, criticizing 

1. to censure or find fault with.

   Synonyms: blame, condemn

2. to judge or discuss the merits and faults of.

   to criticize three novels in one review.

   Synonyms: evaluate, appraise

verb (used without object)

criticized, criticizing 

1. to find fault; judge unfavorably or harshly.

2. to make judgments as to merits and faults.

criticize

/ ˈkrɪtɪˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to judge (something) with disapproval; censure

2. to evaluate or analyse (something)

Other Word Forms

• criticizer noun
• criticizable adjective
• criticizingly adverb
• noncriticizing adjective
• overcriticize verb
• precriticize verb (used with object)
• recriticize verb (used with object)
• uncriticizable adjective
• uncriticizably adverb
• uncriticized adjective
• uncriticizing adjective
• uncriticizingly adverb
• well-criticized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of criticize¹

First recorded in 1640–50; critic + -ize

Example Sentences

“I’ve seen no reason for the armchair quarterbacks to be criticizing his performance,” said the Texas Republican.

From Los Angeles Times

“No matter how many times you hear America being criticized now, it’s still better than most places — every country’s got their problems.”

From Los Angeles Times

The turnover has been criticized by faculty who say UC is retreating on free speech values in fear of more potential campus funding cuts.

From Los Angeles Times

Their replacements — some of whom have criticized vaccines and spread misinformation, according to the Associated Press — have led officials and other experts in some states to doubt or dismiss the latest CDC guidance.

From Los Angeles Times

Attendees surrounded a rotating theater-in-the-round stage, an experiment that was widely criticized and never repeated.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blame 
• blast 
• castigate 
• censure 
• chastise 
• chide 
• condemn 
• denounce 
• excoriate 
• reprimand