moralize

especially British, mor·al·ise

[mawr-uh-lahyz, mor-]

verb (used without object)

moralized, moralizing 

1. 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)

moralized, moralizing 

1. to explain in a moral sense, or draw a moral from.

2. to improve the morals of.

moralize

/ ˈmɒrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (intr) to make moral pronouncements

2. (tr) to interpret or explain in a moral sense

3. (tr) to improve the morals of

Other Word Forms

• moralizer noun
• moralization noun
• moralizingly adverb
• overmoralize verb
• overmoralizingly adverb
• unmoralizing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of moralize¹

1350–1400; Middle English moralisen < Medieval Latin mōrālizāre. See moral, -ize

Example Sentences

Since long-term weight loss is usually not achievable, “moralizing food can cause hyper-awareness about food choices, and foster beliefs that certain foods should be avoided because they will cause weight gain or poor health.”

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It’s about eating more and in a culture that’s long moralized thinness and praised restriction, that’s its own kind of rebellion.

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“Adolescence” refuses to moralize, but in Jamie, the series finds a cherubic picture of innocence corrupted that can be applied to youth everywhere.

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“The Expert of Subtle Revisions” isn’t a political book, per se, nor is it moralizing.

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Implicit in "wellness" rhetoric is the idea that poor health is strictly a result of personal choices, which are subjected to moralizing judgment.

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