criticize

[krit-uh-sahyz]

verb (used with object), crit·i·cized, crit·i·ciz·ing.

to censure or find fault with.

to judge or discuss the merits and faults of: to criticize three novels in one review.

verb (used without object), crit·i·cized, crit·i·ciz·ing.

to find fault; judge unfavorably or harshly.

to make judgments as to merits and faults.

Also especially British, crit·i·cise.

Origin of criticize

First recorded in 1640–50; critic + -ize

Related formscrit·i·ciz·a·ble, adjectivecrit·i·ciz·er, nouncrit·i·ciz·ing·ly, adverbnon·crit·i·ciz·ing, adjective, nouno·ver·crit·i·cize, verb, o·ver·crit·i·cized, o·ver·crit·i·ciz·ing.pre·crit·i·cize, verb (used with object), pre·crit·i·cized, pre·crit·i·ciz·ing.re·crit·i·cize, verb (used with object), re·crit·i·cized, re·crit·i·ciz·ing.un·crit·i·ciz·a·ble, adjectiveun·crit·i·ciz·a·bly, adverbun·crit·i·cized, adjectiveun·crit·i·ciz·ing, adjectiveun·crit·i·ciz·ing·ly, adverbwell-crit·i·cized, adjective

Synonyms for criticize

1. condemn, blame. 2. appraise, evaluate.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for criticise

Historical Examples of criticise

He had evinced not the least sign of any disposition even to criticise.
The Spenders
Harry Leon Wilson
Anybody can criticise music when he knows a tip or two like that.
The Foolish Lovers
St. John G. Ervine
I was about to travel alone, with no one to criticise what I decided to do.
My Double Life
Sarah Bernhardt
It's because they'll let you criticise them as much as you like, an' never lose their temper with you.
Changing Winds
St. John G. Ervine
Those who know nothing of the facts will be sure to criticise.
Things as They Are
Amy Wilson-Carmichael

British Dictionary definitions for criticise

criticize

criticise

verb

to judge (something) with disapproval; censure

to evaluate or analyse (something)

Derived Formscriticizable or criticisable, adjectivecriticizer or criticiser, nouncriticizingly or criticisingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for criticise

chiefly British English spelling of criticize; for suffix, see -ize.

criticize

1640s, "to pass judgment on something" (usually unfavorable), from critic + -ize. Meaning "to discuss critically" is from 1660s; that of "to censure" is from 1704. Related: Criticized; criticizing.