harangue

American  

[huh-rang] / həˈræŋ /

noun

1. a scolding or a long or intense verbal attack; diatribe.

2. a long, passionate, and vehement speech, especially one delivered before a public gathering.

3. any long, pompous speech or writing of a tediously hortatory or didactic nature; sermonizing lecture or discourse.

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verb (used with object)

harangued, haranguing

1. to address in a harangue.

verb (used without object)

harangued, haranguing

1. to deliver a harangue.

harangue British  

/ həˈræŋ /

verb

1. to address (a person or crowd) in an angry, vehement, or forcefully persuasive way

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noun

1. a loud, forceful, or angry speech

Related Words

See speech

Other Word Forms

• haranguer noun
• unharangued adjective

Etymology

Origin of harangue

First recorded in 1530–40; (noun) from Middle French harangue. from Italian ar(r)inga “speech, oration,” noun derivative of ar(r)ingare “to speak in public,” verbal derivative of aringo “public square,” from unattested Gothic hriggs “ring” (verb) from Middle French haranguer, from Italian ar(r)ingare; ring ¹

Explanation

A harangue is more than a speech, louder than a discussion, and nastier than a lecture. It is a verbal attack that doesn't let up, delivered as a verb or received as a noun. Either way, it's pretty unpleasant. The word harangue developed its modern spelling around 1530, when the word was recorded as harangue in French. The word, meaning a strong, nasty rant, appears to have evolved from the Old Italian word aringa, probably from the word for a public square or place for public speaking. This in turn appears to have evolved from a Germanic word related to ring, as in "circular gathering," which is clearly similar to the Italian meaning.

Example Sentences

The police arrive, and the locals harangue them for doing too little.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2024

“We will not allow Red Rose Rescue to harass and harangue New Yorkers with their outrageous militant tactics.”

From Washington Times • Jun. 8, 2023

In an April 21 court filing, McDonald's lawyers said mediation to settle Allen's $10 billion lawsuit has been unsuccessful, and accused Allen of trying to "harass and harangue McDonald's into an unmerited resolution."

From Reuters • May 8, 2023

Will they harangue the president day in and day out, to see if he'll break down and cry?

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2022

As C.P. continued his harangue, unaware of what was going on behind him, Ann rose to her feet and headed toward him.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• diatribe
• discourse
• jeremiad
• oration
• screed
• spiel
• tirade