moralize

[ mawr-uh-lahyz, mor- ]

verb (used without object)

, mor·al·ized, mor·al·iz·ing.

1. to reflect on or express opinions about something in terms of right and wrong, especially in a self-righteous or tiresome way.

verb (used with object)

, mor·al·ized, mor·al·iz·ing.

1. to explain in a moral sense, or draw a moral from.
2. to improve the morals of.

moralize

/ ˈmɒrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. intr to make moral pronouncements
2. tr to interpret or explain in a moral sense
3. tr to improve the morals of

Derived Forms

• ˈmoralˌizer, noun
• ˌmoraliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• moral·i·zation noun
• moral·izer noun
• moral·izing·ly adverb
• over·moral·ize verb overmoralized overmoralizing
• over·moral·izing·ly adverb
• un·moral·izing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of moralize¹

1350–1400; Middle English moralisen < Medieval Latin mōrālizāre. See moral, -ize

Example Sentences

As a model and mother of three married to model Lucky Blue Smith, she has become the embodiment of luxury fashion meeting its lifestyle counterpart, with only a glint of moralizing.

From Los Angeles Times

One is: Is there a new type of moralizing that is occurring?

From Los Angeles Times

Part of that is due to its overarching Very Special Episode tone and moralizing treatment of various issues.

From Los Angeles Times

There was going to be no moralizing or anything, and he’d just say it in a very flat, kind of “Frontline” voice.

From Los Angeles Times

Bailey counters that he’s willing to compromise with Democrats when they abandon extreme positions such as an “open border” or what he considers public school moralizing.

From Seattle Times