rant

[rant]

verb (used without object)

1. to speak or declaim extravagantly or violently; talk in a wild or vehement way; rave.

   The demagogue ranted for hours.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or declaim in a ranting manner.

noun

1. ranting, extravagant, or violent declamation.

   Synonyms: extravagance, bombast

2. a ranting utterance.

rant

/ rænt /

verb

1. to utter (something) in loud, violent, or bombastic tones

2. (intr) to make merry; frolic

noun

1. loud, declamatory, or extravagant speech; bombast

2. a wild revel

3. an energetic dance or its tune

Other Word Forms

• ranter noun
• rantingly adverb
• outrant verb (used with object)
• unranting adjective
• ranting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rant¹

First recorded in 1590–1600, rant is from the Dutch word ranten (obsolete) to talk foolishly

Word History and Origins

Origin of rant¹

C16: from Dutch ranten to rave; related to German ranzen to gambol

Related Words

• diatribe 
• harangue 
• oration 
• rhetoric 
• tirade