to examine and judge as a critic; to pass literary or artistic judgment upon; as, to criticise an author; to criticise a picture.-to express one's views as to the merit or demerit of; esp., to animadvert upon; to find fault with; as, to criticise conduct.-to act as a critic; to pass literary or artistic judgment; to play the critic; -- formerly used with on or upon.-to discuss the merits or demerits of a thing or person; esp., to find fault.