Showing results for "berating"

• present participle of berate.

berating

American  

[bih-ray-ting] / bɪˈreɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or habit of scolding, rebuking, or harshly criticizing another.

   The player earned a red card for his constant berating of the referee.

---

adjective

1. scolding, rebuking, or harshly criticizing.

   When you talk to him about these behavioral issues, take care not to use a berating tone.

Etymology

Origin of berating

First recorded in 1830–40; berat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ) for the noun; berat(e) ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. ) for the adjective

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

berating

"I started to feel guilty and started berating myself internally for it all."

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

Top of Wooden’s list was an insistence that Close could succeed without berating players.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 6, 2026

Former Rep. Katie Porter — an early leader in polls — late last year faltered after videos emerged of her screaming at an aide and berating a reporter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2026

The Australian skipper removed him for a 13th time in Tests, more than any other bowler, with a furious Root berating himself after prodding at a full delivery and feathering to Carey.

From Barron's ● Dec. 20, 2025

He ignored his threat to begin at zero if anyone did that and made do with berating them.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• admonition
• censure
• condemnation
• disapproval
• punishment
• rebuff
• reproach
• snub

---