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.

Nearby words

Also especially British, crit·i·cise.

Origin of criticize

First recorded in 1640–50; critic + -ize

SYNONYMS FOR criticize

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

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Related forms

crit·i·ciz·a·ble, adjectivecrit·i·ciz·er, nouncrit·i·ciz·ing·ly, adverbnon·crit·i·ciz·ing, adjective, noun

o·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

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

British Dictionary definitions for criticizer

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 criticizer

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.