lambaste
/læmˈbeɪst/
VERB
1. To criticize or reprimand harshly
To express strong disapproval of someone or something through severe criticism, scolding, or verbal condemnation.
1.1. Scolding or reprimanding someone
Speaking angrily or severely to someone because of their mistakes, behavior, or failure to meet expectations.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The coach lambasted the players for their lack of effort during the match.
- The manager lambasted the employee for repeatedly ignoring company procedures.
Related Words
- chastise
- reproach
- lecture
- reprove
- admonition
- reprimand
1.2. Publicly condemning or denouncing
Expressing strong public disapproval of a person, organization, policy, or decision through forceful criticism.
Synonyms
- denounce
- condemn
- excoriate
- castigate
- censure
- decry
- vilify
- revile
- fulminate against
- vituperate
Antonyms
Examples
- The newspapers lambasted the government for its handling of the economic crisis.
- Environmental groups lambasted the company for its destructive business practices.
Related Words
- criticize
- disparage
- discredit
- denunciation
- condemnation
- reproach
1.3. Attacking or insulting someone verbally
Using harsh, abusive, or insulting language to attack someone's character, reputation, or actions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The columnist lambasted the politician with a series of personal attacks.
- During the debate, the candidate lambasted his opponent for dishonesty.
Related Words
- invective
- vituperation
- verbal attack
- defamation
- disparagement
- slander
- ridicule
1.4. Criticizing or attacking a work or performance
Expressing severe disapproval of a book, film, performance, product, or other creative or professional work because of its perceived shortcomings.
Synonyms
- pan
- slam
- blast
- criticize
- denounce
- rip apart
- tear apart
- roast
- disparage
Antonyms
Examples
- Film critics lambasted the movie for its weak storyline and poor acting.
- Reviewers lambasted the new product for its unreliable performance.
Related Words
- review
- criticism
- disapproval
- negative assessment
- scathing review
- condemnation
VERB
2. To beat or thrash severely
To strike someone repeatedly and forcefully, inflicting physical pain or injury. This meaning is dated in British English but remains recognized in American English.
2.1. Beating someone physically
Hitting or striking a person repeatedly and violently, usually causing pain or injury.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The historical account described how the soldiers lambasted the captured prisoner.
- The gang threatened to lambaste anyone who challenged their authority.
Related Words
2.2. Beating someone with an implement
Striking someone repeatedly with a stick, whip, cane, or another object as a form of physical punishment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- spare
- protect
- release
- treat gently
Examples
- The old account described how the prisoner was lambasted with a cane.
- The historical narrative recounts how the guards lambasted the offender with whips.