I. ˈjəj verb
( judged ; judg·ing )
Etymology: Middle English juggen, from Anglo-French juger, from Latin judicare, from judic-, judex judge, from jus right, law + dicere to decide, say — more at just , diction
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. : to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises
2. : to sit in judgment on : try
3. : to determine or pronounce after inquiry and deliberation
4. : govern , rule — used of a Hebrew tribal leader
5. : to form an estimate or evaluation of ; especially : to form a negative opinion about
shouldn't judge him because of his accent
6. : to hold as an opinion : guess , think
I judge she knew what she was doing
intransitive verb
1. : to form an opinion
2. : to decide as a judge
Synonyms: see infer
• judg·er noun
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English juge, from Anglo-French, from Latin judex
Date: 14th century
: one who judges: as
a. : a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court
b. often capitalized : a tribal hero exercising leadership among the Hebrews after the death of Joshua
c. : one appointed to decide in a contest or competition : umpire
d. : one who gives an authoritative opinion
e. : critic
• judge·ship -ˌship noun