vituperate

[ vahy-too-puh-reyt, -tyoo-, vi- ]

verb (used with object)

, vi·tu·per·at·ed, vi·tu·per·at·ing.

1. to address with harsh or abusive language; revile.

   Synonyms: berate, vilify, censure

   Antonyms: commend, praise

vituperate

/ vɪˈtjuːpəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to berate or rail (against) abusively; revile

Derived Forms

• viˈtuperˌator, noun

Other Words From

• vi·tuper·ator noun
• unvi·tuper·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vituperate¹

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin vituperātus (past participle of vituperāre “to spoil, blame”), equivalent to vituperā(re) ( vitu-, variant stem of vitium “defect, blemish, vice” + -perāre, combining form of parāre “to furnish, provide”; prepare ) + -tus past participle suffix; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of vituperate¹

C16: from Latin vituperāre to blame, from vitium a defect + parāre to make

Example Sentences

While the buyers are apt to vituperate the workmen, in too many cases they are the culprits.

From Project Gutenberg

When people are going to serious war with each other, they may denounce and vituperate, but they rarely gibe.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not my design, therefore, to vituperate my deceased friend, Toby Dammit.

From Project Gutenberg

Jolly, to abuse or vituperate, sometimes to bear up or bonnet.

From Project Gutenberg

Bibliolators may vituperate us, persecute us, or imprison us, but they cannot refute us.

From Project Gutenberg