criticize
crit·i·cize
verb \ˈkri-tə-ˌsīz\crit·i·cizedcrit·i·ciz·ing
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 Examples of CRITICIZE
- 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.
First Known Use of CRITICIZE
1643
Related to CRITICIZE
Related Words: skewer, tweak; assail, attack, blast, clobber, slam, slash; nick (at), snipe (at); beef, bellyache, bitch, carp, cavil, complain, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grouse, growl, grumble, kick, kvetch, moan, murmur, mutter, niggle, quibble, whine; admonish, chide, drub, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove; berate, castigate, crucify, excoriate, flay, gibbet, hammer, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lash, pillory, scold, upbraid; bad-mouth, belittle, decry, deride, discommend, disparage, put down
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>.
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