moralize
/ˈmɒr(ə)lʌɪz
/(also moralise)
verb
1 [no object] (often as noun moralizing) Comment on issues of right and wrong, typically with an unfounded air of superiority: the self-righteous moralizing of his aunt was ringing in his ears...
- But she couldn't, and I just want to tell her that I think she is too self-righteous and moralizing and someday when she grows up a bit, she might understand.
- But this is not the time for sermonizing or moralizing over US foreign policy.
- Issues of race are presented plainly, without moralizing.
Synonyms
pontificate, sermonize, philosophize, lecture, preach
informal preachify
rare ethicize
2 [with object] Reform the character and conduct of: he endeavoured to moralize an immoral society...
- So it moralizes everyone to do what he or she wants to do and be what he or she wants to be, irrespective of what the society prescribes.
- The congregations sought to give practical demonstration of their belief by assisting and moralizing the working masses.
- They pointed to a progressive development of the concept of holiness, noting that it was gradually moralized under the influence of the great prophets.
Derivatives
moralization
/ noun ...- Although each character probes for higher meaning, and copes with somewhat troubled family lives, the author does well to steer clear of the endless moralizations that these issues bring, especially concerning drug use.
- He's able to distil the truth about teenage angst without the usual moralization.
- And no amount of moralisation will change this survivalist law of nature.
moralizer
/ noun ...- He is a moralizer and a preacher; one of those people who thinks their morals should be your morals.
- For moralizers these principles are a question of manners, not of substance.
- There can be no prescription - too many moralisers have tried and failed to codify desire.
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'explain the moral meaning of'): from French moraliser or medieval Latin moralizare, from late Latin moralis (see moral).