Satirize

To **satirize** is to use humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. The purpose of satire is to provoke thought, bring about social change, or simply entertain through the use of wit and clever observation. A well-executed satire often employs caricature, parody, and other literary devices to lampoon its target, making it a powerful tool for social commentary and holding power to account. The effectiveness of satire often hinges on the audience's understanding of the context and subject matter being satirized, and the ability to recognize the intent behind the humorous presentation. Successful satire uses its humor as a vehicle for its underlying seriousness.

Satirize meaning with examples

• Political cartoonists frequently satirize current events and politicians, using exaggerated features and humorous situations to comment on their actions and policies. This can be seen as a way to encourage public critique of government.
• The comedian's stand-up routine cleverly **satirized** consumer culture, exaggerating the absurd lengths people go to to acquire the latest gadgets. The crowd laughed and also contemplated their shopping habits.
• The novel **satirized** the hypocrisy of the wealthy elite by presenting them as comically self-absorbed characters obsessed with trivial matters. This aimed to illustrate the disparity between wealth and social value.
• The playwright **satirized** the conventions of the romantic comedy genre by presenting a relationship based on shallow banter and self-interest. This offered the audience a fresh and self-reflective perspective.