harangue
Americannoun
-
a scolding or a long or intense verbal attack; diatribe.
-
a long, passionate, and vehement speech, especially one delivered before a public gathering.
-
any long, pompous speech or writing of a tediously hortatory or didactic nature; sermonizing lecture or discourse.
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
noun
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In 2022, a group of activists — including Mexicans and Europeans — hacked the Weltmuseum’s hand-held audio guides and inserted a fiery harangue from Gómora.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2025
The police arrive, and the locals harangue them for doing too little.
From BBC • Aug. 2, 2024
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
If he continues to play like he did in Game 3 - while teammate Jaylen Brown continues to harangue Harden - it could be another big day for Boston.
From Washington Times • May 6, 2023
Bartholomew would harangue them until the bell tolled for sext, the midday prayers.
From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
