Definition of "second-guess" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To vet or evaluate; to criticize or correct, often by hindsight, by presuming to have a better idea, method, etc.

   • Please don't try to second-guess the procedure that we have already refined and adopted.
   • Once she began listening to her instincts and didn't second-guess herself the entire time, her artwork improved noticeably.

2. (transitive, intransitive) To anticipate or predict someone's actions or thoughts by guesswork.