ˈmȯrəˌlīz, ˈmär- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize
Etymology: Middle English moralysen, from Middle French moraliser, probably from Medieval Latin moralizare, from Latin moralis moral + Late Latin -izare -ize
transitive verb
1. : to explain or interpret morally : draw a moral from or furnish with a moral meaning
always posed an insoluble problem for those who would moralize the play — D.P.Harding
2.
a. : to give a moral quality or direction to : make aware of or subject to the influence of moral values
the sentiments and force of will are neutral … and may become antisocial unless they are moralized — General Education in a Free Society
has always felt strongly the compulsion to moralize his fellowmen — Asher Moore
b. : to make more moral : improve the morals or moral conduct of
modern efforts to moralize business and to subordinate profit seeking to humane ends — Walter Lippmann
3. archaic : to make more tolerable : bring into a better state of mind by moral speech or reflection
intransitive verb
: to make moral reflections : talk, write, or think in moral terms
the tendency to moralize upon the relations of beauty to conduct — Bliss Perry
never descends to the sermonizing and moralizing that filled so many pages in Victorian histories — Saturday Review