verb

satirize

SAT-uh-ryze/ˈsætəraɪz/

To criticize through irony, ridicule, or comic exaggeration.

The cartoonist satirizes greed by drawing a pompous figure burdened with an enormous purse.

Cartoonist draws exaggerated pompous figure balancing huge coin purse on tiny public-service stool, smiles wryly while paper drawing exposes greed; no written words or identified real person, editorial ink within ink scene.

Etymology

Satura developed from a mixed dish into a poetic medley, then poetry attacking faults. With a verb-forming ending, satirize first meant writing satires and then exposing people or ideas to ridicule.

In context

5x15 Stories2:20

my job is to satirize and make fun of politicians of every description and every party

John Crace @ 5x15 - A Political Sketch

More examples

Her cartoons satirize the endless meetings at her office.
The novel satirized high society by exaggerating its elaborate manners.
By satirizing wasteful spending, the comedian makes a serious point.

Forms

satirize · satirizes · satirized · satirizing

satire noun — Humor or irony used to expose faults.

satirical adjective — Using humor or irony to criticize.

Similar words

lampoon: Emphasizes sharp, often personal ridicule of a particular target.
parody: Imitates a recognizable style for humor, not necessarily criticism.
mock: Means making fun of something, without necessarily exposing broader faults.