moralize
[ mawr-uh-lahyz, mor- ]
/ ˈmɔr əˌlaɪz, ˈmɒr- /
verb (used without object), mor·al·ized, mor·al·iz·ing.
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.
to explain in a moral sense, or draw a moral from.
to improve the morals of.
Nearby words
moralism, moralist, moralistic, morality, morality play, moralize, morally, morals, morandi, morandi, giorgio, morar
Also especially British, mor·al·ise.
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for moralize
British Dictionary definitions for moralize
moralize
moralise
/ (ˈmɒrəˌlaɪz) /
verb
(intr) to make moral pronouncements
(tr) to interpret or explain in a moral sense
(tr) to improve the morals of
Derived Formsmoralization or moralisation, nounmoralizer or moraliser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for moralize
moralize
c.1400, "expound or interpret spiritual or moral significance," from Old French moraliser and directly from Late Latin moralizare, from moralis (see moral (adj.)). Related: Moralized; moralizing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper