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

• ˈmoralˌizer, noun
• ˌmoraliˈzation, 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

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