criticize

/ˈkɹɪtɪsaɪz/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: criticizes · criticizing · criticized

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To find fault (with something).

VerbRegister: US

Examples

They criticized him for endangering people's lives.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To evaluate (something), assessing its merits and faults.

VerbRegister: US

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “criticize” mean?

To find fault (with something).

Is “criticize” formal or informal?

criticize is generally US.