tongue-lash
verb (used with or without object)
to scold severely.
tongue-lashing
-
a word derived from
tongue-lash.
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.
The New York federal district court judge gave Doyle a tongue-lashing and sentenced him to six years in prison, twice the time stipulated in his plea bargain, citing his record that included 11 convictions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 11, 2026
Well, he’s apparently been chatting with Chinese President Xi Jinping about the whole matter, and he’s invited TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew—once the subject of a bipartisan tongue-lashing in Congress—to attend his Monday inauguration.
From Slate ● Jan. 17, 2025
Meadows claimed he then sent an email pushing the campaign to assemble pro-Trump slates of electors largely because he feared a tongue-lashing from his boss.
From Salon ● Sep. 5, 2023
But the Padres might not be alive and in position to win their first World Series title in franchise history if not for Melvin’s timely tongue-lashing one month ago.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2022
I expected a reprimand from my father or a tongue-lashing from my grandmother, but to my relief they simply nodded as we came in.
From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson
