criticize

play

verb crit·i·cize \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\

Definition of criticize

criticized

;

criticizing

intransitive verb
: to act as a critic
transitive verb
1 : to consider the merits and demerits of and judge accordingly : evaluate He asked me to criticize his drawings.
2 : to find fault with : point out the faults of His boss criticized him for his sloppy work.

criticizable

play \ˈkri-tə-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adjective

criticizer

noun

See criticize defined for English-language learners

See criticize defined for kids

Examples of criticize in a Sentence

His boss criticized him for his sloppy work habits.
The judge was widely criticized for his verdict.
The editor criticized the author's work as trite.
It seems as though all he ever does is criticize.

Origin and Etymology of criticize

¹critic + -ize

First Known Use: 1643

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

CRITICIZE Defined for English Language Learners

criticize

play

verb crit·i·cize \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\

Definition of criticize for English Language Learners

: 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)

CRITICIZE Defined for Kids

criticize

play

verb crit·i·cize \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\

Definition of criticize for Students

criticized

;

criticizing

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.