caricature

[ kar-i-kuh-cher, -choor ]
/ ˈkær ɪ kə tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

noun

a picture, description, etc., ludicrously exaggerating the peculiarities or defects of persons or things: His caricature of the mayor in this morning's paper is the best he's ever drawn.
the art or process of producing such pictures, descriptions, etc.
any imitation or copy so distorted or inferior as to be ludicrous.

verb (used with object), car·i·ca·tured, car·i·ca·tur·ing.

to make a caricature of; represent in caricature.

Origin of caricature

1740–50; earlier caricatura < Italian, equivalent to caricat(o) loaded, i.e., distorted (past participle of caricare; see charge) + -ura -ure

synonym study for caricature

1. See burlesque.

OTHER WORDS FROM caricature

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH caricature

burlesque caricature cartoon parody satire (see synonym study at burlesque)

Example sentences from the Web for caricature

British Dictionary definitions for caricature

caricature
/ (ˈkærɪkəˌtjʊə) /

noun

a pictorial, written, or acted representation of a person, which exaggerates his characteristic traits for comic effect
a ludicrously inadequate or inaccurate imitation he is a caricature of a statesman

verb

(tr) to represent in caricature or produce a caricature of

Derived forms of caricature

caricatural, adjective caricaturist, noun

Word Origin for caricature

C18: from Italian caricatura a distortion, exaggeration, from caricare to load, exaggerate; see cargo

Cultural definitions for caricature

caricature

In art or literature, portrayal of an individual or thing that exaggerates and distorts prominent characteristics so as to make them appear ridiculous. Caricature is commonly a medium for satire.