berated

American  

[bih-rey-tid] / bɪˈreɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. scolded or rebuked; criticized.

   I get to my workplace all summer long using the city’s much berated public transportation system.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of criticize.

Etymology

Origin of berated

berate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has openly berated reporters during Pentagon briefings for using headlines the administration dislikes.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

Under cross examination, however, Kaley talked about feeling neglected, berated and picked on by family members, causing depression and anxiety that had nothing to do with social media.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Noem routinely berated staff if she saw Homan on TV and kept track of both their appearances to make sure she was on TV more than him, according to people familiar with the matter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

“Jay Powell has been called names, has been berated, and has always not just kept his cool but kept his silence,” Bomfim said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

The master of the Dolphin berated them for wasting his time, and the owner of the Seventh Son accused them of being pirates.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• castigate
• chide
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• revile
• scold
• upbraid