berate

[bih-reyt]

verb (used with object)

berated, berating 

1. to scold; rebuke.

   He berated them in public.

   Synonyms: vilify, objurgate, vituperate, abuse

berate

/ bɪˈreɪt /

verb

1. (tr) to scold harshly

Word History and Origins

Origin of berate¹

First recorded in 1540–50; be- + rate ²

Example Sentences

The beauty pageant drew backlash earlier this month after its Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly berated Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, at a pre-pageant event for not posting promotional content on her social media platforms.

Read more on BBC

Republicans were also able to sow division among Democrats, who ought to be celebrating sweeping recent state elections but are instead at each other's throats -- with the furious progressive base berating the leadership for folding.

Read more on Barron's

There, Foden and senior staff "berated" her daughter for hours, she said, and warned her that her comments could "ruin her future" and affect her chances of getting into university.

Read more on BBC

After berating them for several minutes, he threw the sandwich at close range.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Several contestants have walked out of a Miss Universe event after an official from host nation Thailand publicly berated Miss Mexico in a tense confrontation.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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