Verbs for Criticism

Criticism takes many forms, from a quiet expression of disappointment to the deliberate destruction of a reputation. These five verbs map the full range.

This quiz covers disparage, vilify, reproach, ostracize, and implicate, five verbs for condemnation, exclusion, and the assigning of blame. You will find them in news coverage, legal commentary, and any discussion of how reputations are built and broken.

Worth noting: to disparage is to treat someone as less worthy or significant, often in a quiet, dismissive way. To vilify is a harder attack, aimed at destroying someone's reputation entirely, usually in public.