'censorious' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'censorius,' where 'censor' meant 'to judge or assess.'

'censorius' transformed into the French word 'censorieux,' and eventually became the modern English word 'censorious' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to a censor,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'highly critical or inclined to find fault.'