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verb

criticize

KRIH-tih-syz
verb
1
To point out faults or problems in something or someone.
"The coach criticized the team's poor defense."
"Don't criticize her work until you've heard the whole story."

How to Use Criticize

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo say what's wrong with something.

UK vs US

British English also allows the spelling "criticise."

Common pairings
criticize heavily criticize someone for

Word Forms

criticized past tense, criticizes singular

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The coach _____ the team's poor defense.

Etymology

From critic + -ize.

Related Words

Rhymes for criticize

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