Main Entry: crit·i·cize

Pronunciation: \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): crit·i·cized; crit·i·ciz·ing

Date: 1643

intransitive verb : to act as a critictransitive 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

synonyms 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>.