Overcriticize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To excessively find fault or criticize beyond what is reasonable or constructive, often diminishing the subject unfairly
2. To judge or comment on something or someone with undue harshness or scrutiny, going beyond helpful feedback
3. To repeatedly and unnecessarily point out flaws or mistakes, imposing an exaggerated level of disapproval that may be discouraging or counterproductive

Etymology: "Overcriticize" is a plain formation: the prefix "over-", meaning excessively or too much, attached to "criticize." Over- is a productive English prefix with Old English roots, used freely with verbs to mean doing something beyond the proper or necessary amount, as in "overcook," "overspend," or "overwork." Attaching it to "criticize" gives the sense of finding fault to an excessive degree. The base verb "criticize" goes back to the Greek "kritikos," meaning able to judge or discerning, from "krinein," to separate or decide. Its older sense was neutral: to judge or assess a work's merits, not necessarily to condemn it. The faultfinding meaning that dominates today developed later, which is why "overcriticize" carries the negative connotation the base word has come to hold.

Synonyms: overanalyze, faultfind, nitpick, censure excessively

Antonyms: praise, commend, approve, endorse