brickbat

[brik-bat]

noun

1. a piece of broken brick, especially one used as a missile.

2. any rocklike missile.

3. an unkind or unfavorable remark; caustic criticism.

   The critics greeted the play with brickbats.

brickbat

/ ˈbrɪkˌbæt /

noun

1. a piece of brick or similar material, esp one used as a weapon

2. blunt criticism

   the critic threw several brickbats at the singer

Word History and Origins

Origin of brickbat¹

First recorded in 1555–65; brick + bat ¹

Example Sentences

Cassidy has been taking brickbats in recent months over his vote to confirm Kennedy as secretary of Health and Human Services in February.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Unlike a signed bill or a freshly inked executive order, there's rarely one name at which observers can launch their hosannas and brickbats.

Read more on Salon

But functioning democracies require people willing to enter public life and take with it the brickbats that follow.

Read more on BBC

Roos also expressed admiration: “Every day people around him were throwing brickbats at him, saying: “Why are you doing this?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

We can become cynical or angry and just throw brickbats.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• censure 
• criticism 
• denunciation 
• discontent 
• dislike 
• displeasure 
• dissatisfaction 
• objection