v.
Pronunciation: ' kri-t ə - ˌ s ī z
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -cized ; -ciz · ing
Date: 1643
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 \ - ˌ s ī -z ə -b ə l \ 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>.