Dictionary entry

Moralize

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Mor″al‐ize (mŏr″al‐īz), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Moralized (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Moralizing (?).] [Cf. F. moraliser.] 1. To apply to a moral purpose; to explain in a moral sense; to draw a moral from.

This fable is moralized in a common proverb. L'Estrange.

Did he not moralize this spectacle? Shak.

2. To furnish with moral lessons, teachings, or examples; to lend a moral to.

While chastening thoughts of sweetest use, bestowed

By Wisdom, moralize his pensive road. Wordsworth.

3. To render moral; to correct the morals of.

It had a large share in moralizing the poor white people of the country. D. Ramsay.

4. To give a moral quality to; to affect the moral quality of, either for better or worse.

Good and bad stars moralize not our actions. Sir T. Browne.