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

Example Sentences

The West Australian newspaper harangued England through Perth airport, called them crybabys, arrogant and cocky.

From BBC

She and Dr. Fauci and their masked entourage walked away to the sound of the man haranguing them.

From Washington Times

What that's produced has been a nonstop harangue from the right demonizing liberals generally, and liberal politicians particularly.

From Salon

Bursting onto the stage in a hooded bathrobe that falls open to reveal tight boxer briefs and an impressively sculpted torso, Henry harangues the audience with intimate, often obnoxious confessions.

From New York Times

Trump delivered his harangue against Wisconsin Republican leaders on the eve of the state party convention, and it quickly got results.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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