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1 N‑VAR [N that] Criticism is the action of expressing disapproval of something or someone. A criticism is a statement that expresses disapproval. □  This policy had repeatedly come under strong criticism on Capitol Hill. □ [+ of ] …unfair criticism of his tactics. □  The criticism that the English do not truly care about their children was often voiced.

2 N‑UNCOUNT Criticism is a serious examination and judgment of something such as a book or play. □  She has published more than 20 books including novels, poetry and literary criticism. COLLOCATIONS criticism NOUN 1

adjective + criticism : constructive, legitimate, widespread; fierce, harsh, heavy, strong; unfair, unjustified, unwarranted

verb + criticism : attract, draw, face, spark; direct, level, voice; deflect, dismiss, reject SYNONYMS criticism NOUN 1

censure:It is a controversial policy which has attracted international censure.

disapproval:His action had been greeted with almost universal disapproval.

disparagement:Reviewers have been almost unanimous in their disparagement of this book.

denigration:…the denigration of minorities in this country.

criti|cize ◆◇◇ /kr I t I sa I z/ (criticizes , criticizing , criticized ) in BRIT, also use criticise VERB If you criticize someone or something, you express your disapproval of them by saying what you think is wrong with them. □ [V n] His mother had rarely criticized him or any of her children. □ [V n + for ] The minister criticised the police for failing to come up with any leads.

cri|tique /kr I tiː k/ (critiques ) N‑COUNT A critique is a written examination and judgment of a situation or of a person's work or ideas. [FORMAL ] □ [+ of ] She had brought a book, a feminist critique of Victorian lady novelists.

crit|ter /kr I tə ^r / (critters ) N‑COUNT A critter is a living creature. [AM , INFORMAL ] □  …little furry critters.

croak /kroʊ k/ (croaks , croaking , croaked )

1 VERB When a frog or bird croaks , it makes a harsh, low sound. □ [V ] Thousands of frogs croaked in the reeds by the riverbank. ● N‑COUNT Croak is also a noun. □ [+ of ] …the guttural croak of the frogs.

2 VERB If someone croaks something, they say it in a low, rough voice. □ [V with quote] Tiller moaned and managed to croak, 'Help me.'. □ [V n] She croaked something unintelligible. ● N‑COUNT Croak is also a noun. □  His voice was just a croak.

croaky /kroʊ ki/ ADJ If someone's voice is croaky , it is low and rough.

cro|chet /kroʊ ʃe I , [AM ] kroʊʃe I / (crochets , crocheting , crocheted )

1 N‑UNCOUNT Crochet is a way of making cloth out of cotton or wool by using a needle with a small hook at the end. □  …a black crochet waistcoat.

2 VERB If you crochet , you make cloth by using a needle with a small hook at the end. □ [V ] She offered to teach me to crochet. □ [V n] Ma and I crocheted new quilts. □ [V -ed] …crocheted rugs.

crock /krɒ k/ (crocks )

1 N‑COUNT A crock is a clay pot or jar. [OLD-FASHIONED ]

2 N‑COUNT If you describe someone as an old crock , you mean that they are old and weak. [BRIT , INFORMAL , OLD-FASHIONED ]

3 N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe what someone has said as a crock , you mean that you think it is foolish, wrong, or untrue. [mainly AM , INFORMAL , DISAPPROVAL ]

crock|ery /krɒ kəri/ N‑UNCOUNT Crockery is the plates, cups, saucers, and dishes that you use at meals. [mainly BRIT ] □  We had no fridge, cooker, cutlery or crockery.