judge

judge · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A public official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.

  2. 2.

    A person who decides the results of a competition.

  3. 3.

    A person able to give an authoritative opinion.

  4. 4.

    To form an opinion about something through careful weighing of evidence.

  5. 5.

    To decide a case or contest officially.

  6. 6.

    To criticize or condemn someone.

Forms

plural: judges

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    judge for yourself — form your own opinion
  • •
    judging by/from — based on evidence or appearances
  • •
    sit in judgment — critically evaluate others
  • •
    judgment call — a decision based on personal evaluation
  • •
    pass judgment — give an opinion or verdict

Related words

See also: court, judgment, justice, trial
Synonyms: arbiter, justice, magistrate

Etymology

From Old French "juge" (judge), from Latin "iūdex" (a judge), from "iūs" (law, right) + "-dex" (one who shows or points out), from "dicere" (to say). Related to "judicial," "judgment," and "jurisdiction."