[crit.i.cize] vb -cized ; -ciz.ing vi (1649): to act as a critic ~ vt 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 adj -- crit.i.ciz.er n syn criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly. criticize implies finding fault esp. 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 usu. 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".