Scrutinize \Scru"ti*nize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scrutinized}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Scrutinizing}.] [From {Scrutiny}.] To examine closely; to inspect or observe with critical attention; to regard narrowly; as, to scrutinize the measures of administration; to scrutinize the conduct or motives of individuals. Whose votes they were obliged to scrutinize. --Ayliffe. Those pronounced him youngest who scrutinized his face the closest. --G. W. Cable.