lambaste

American  

[lam-beyst, -bast] / læmˈbeɪst, -ˈbæst /

Or lambast

verb (used with object)

lambasted, lambasting

1. to beat or whip severely.

2. to reprimand or berate harshly; censure; excoriate.

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Etymology

Origin of lambaste

First recorded in 1630–40; apparently lam ¹ + baste ³

Explanation

To lambaste is to reprimand or berate someone severely. People lambaste those who have angered or disappointed them. Have you ever watched a basketball game and noticed a coach yelling like a maniac at a referee? That coach is lambasting the referee. Lambasting is also called chewing out, taking to task, scolding, reprimanding, berating, bawling out, and chiding. Parents lambaste disobedient kids. A boss might lambaste a worker who is late all the time. Lambasting is severe and goes way beyond criticizing. When you are lambasting, you are furious at someone and letting them know it.

Related Words

• assail
• berate
• castigate
• excoriate
• scold
• upbraid