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criticize

[krit-uh-sahyz]
verb (used with object), crit·i·cized, crit·i·ciz·ing.
  1. to censure or find fault with.
  2. to judge or discuss the merits and faults of: to criticize three novels in one review.
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verb (used without object), crit·i·cized, crit·i·ciz·ing.
  1. to find fault; judge unfavorably or harshly.
  2. to make judgments as to merits and faults.
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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. 2018

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
  1. to judge (something) with disapproval; censure
  2. to evaluate or analyse (something)
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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

v.

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

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criticize

v.

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.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper