Dictionary
criticize
verb crit·i·cize \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\
: to express disapproval of (someone or something) : to talk about the problems or faults of (someone or something)
: to look at and make judgments about (something, such as a piece of writing or a work of art)
crit·i·cizedcrit·i·ciz·ing
Full Definition of CRITICIZE
intransitive verb
: to act as a critic
transitive verb
1
: to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly : evaluate
2
: to find fault with : point out the faults of
— crit·i·ciz·able \-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adjective
— crit·i·ciz·er noun
See criticize defined for English-language learners
See criticize defined for kids
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First Known Use of CRITICIZE
1643
Related to CRITICIZE
Synonym Discussion of CRITICIZE
criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly. criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions <criticized the police for using violence>. reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking <reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students>. censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding <a Senator formally censured by his peers>. reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction <reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle>. condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment <condemned the government's racial policies>. denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration <a pastoral letter denouncing abortion>.
CRITICIZING Defined for Kids
criticize
verb crit·i·cize \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\
crit·i·cizedcrit·i·ciz·ing
Definition of CRITICIZE for Kids
1
: to examine and judge
2
: to find fault with
Word Root of CRITICIZE
The Greek word kritikos, meaning “able to judge,” gives us the root critic. Words from the Greek kritikos have something to do with judging. A critic is someone who judges the value or quality or something, such as a movie or book. Someone critical makes a lot of judgments and usually decides that things are not good. To criticize is to make a judgment that something is not good.
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