berating

American  

[bih-rey-ting] / bɪˈreɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or habit of scolding, rebuking, or harshly criticizing another.

   The player earned a red card for his constant berating of the referee.

---

adjective

1. scolding, rebuking, or harshly criticizing.

   When you talk to him about these behavioral issues, take care not to use a berating tone.

Etymology

Origin of berating

First recorded in 1830–40; berat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; berat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

Porter slightly rebounded after a dip in polling in the fall after videos emerged of her berating an aide and a reporter.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

Since Takaichi’s remark on Taiwan in November, Beijing’s retaliation has included berating Tokyo at the United Nations, canceling flights to Japan and tightening export controls on goods with potential military uses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

The Australian skipper removed him for a 13th time in Tests, more than any other bowler, with a furious Root berating himself after prodding at a full delivery and feathering to Carey.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

Video footage shows Rivas and others berating the officers for complicity in what they called a “kidnapping.”

From Salon • Oct. 24, 2025

We round the corner, Dr. Schillinger still berating me, and then we’re through the front door of Tatarska 3.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron

Related Words

• admonition
• censure
• condemnation
• disapproval
• punishment
• rebuff
• reproach
• snub