moralization

noun

mor·​al·​iza·​tion
variants also British moralisation
ˌmȯrələ̇ˈzāshən
ˌmär-
-līˈ-
plural -s
1
a
: the giving of a moral interpretation to something : an explanation in moral terms
his criticism of the play is simply a moralization of it
b
: the act of moralizing : a moral reflection or discourse
moralizations … were the beginnings of thought, feelings, perceptions, which led him to write the novelsJ. T. Farrell
2
a
: the act of making moral
the best government it had ever known, with moralization of public officesHubert Herring
b
: the process of becoming moral
progressive moralization of the idea of holiness in the Old TestamentR. C. Dentan

Word History

Etymology

Middle English moralizacion, from Medieval Latin moralization-, moralizatio, from moralizatus (past participle of moralizare to moralize) + Latin -ion-, -io -ion

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Moralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moralization. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!