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definitions

criticize

[krit-uh-sahyz]
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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.

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RELATED WORDS

excoriate, chastise, denounce, chide, blame, censure, castigate, reprimand, blast, condemn, review, scrutinize, trim, rip, slam, rap, skin, reprove, zap, reprehend

Nearby words

  1. criticality,
  2. critically,
  3. criticaster,
  4. criticise,
  5. criticism,
  6. critique,
  7. critique of pure reason,
  8. crittenden compromise,
  9. critter,
  10. crius
Also especially British, crit·i·cise.

Origin of criticize

First recorded in 1640–50; critic + -ize
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for criticize

British Dictionary definitions for criticize

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 criticize

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.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper