lambastes
/ˈlæmˌbæsts/
VERB
1. Criticizes or reprimands harshly
Expresses strong disapproval of someone or something through severe criticism, scolding, or verbal condemnation.
1.1. Scolding or reprimanding someone
Speaks angrily or severely to someone because of their mistakes, misconduct, or failure to meet expectations.
Synonyms
- berates
- admonishes
- rebukes
- reprimands
- reproves
- chides
- scolds
- upbraids
- castigates
- chews out
- dresses down
- takes to task
Antonyms
Examples
- The manager lambastes the sales team for repeatedly failing to meet its targets.
- The teacher lambastes students who arrive unprepared for their examinations.
Related Words
- chastises
- reproaches
- lectures
- reprehends
- objurgates
- admonition
- reproof
1.2. Publicly condemning or denouncing
Expresses strong public disapproval of a person, organization, policy, or decision through forceful criticism.
Synonyms
- denounces
- condemns
- excoriates
- castigates
- censures
- decries
- vilifies
- reviles
- disparages
- fulminates against
- vituperates
- assails
Antonyms
Examples
- The opposition lambastes the government's handling of the economic crisis.
- Environmental activists lambaste companies that continue to pollute local rivers.
Related Words
1.3. Verbally attacking or insulting someone
Uses harsh, abusive, or insulting language to attack someone's character, reputation, or actions.
Synonyms
- abuses
- insults
- reviles
- vilifies
- maligns
- bad-mouths
- asperses
- derides
- tongue-lashes
- lays into
- rags
- vituperates
Antonyms
- flatters
- compliments
- praises
- admires
- respects
- commends
Examples
- The columnist lambastes the politician with personal insults in every article.
- During the debate, the candidate lambastes his opponent over alleged dishonesty.
Related Words
- invective
- vituperation
- verbal attack
- defamation
- disparagement
- slander
- ridicule
1.4. Criticizing a work or performance severely
Expresses harsh disapproval of a film, book, product, performance, or other work because of its perceived shortcomings.
Synonyms
- pans
- slams
- blasts
- trashes
- criticizes
- rips apart
- tears apart
- disparages
Antonyms
Examples
- Film critics lambaste the movie for its weak storyline and poor acting.
- Technology reviewers lambaste the new device for its unreliable performance.
Related Words
- review
- scathing review
- negative assessment
- criticism
- disapproval
- condemnation
VERB
2. Beats or thrashes severely
Strikes someone repeatedly and forcefully, causing physical pain or injury. This meaning is dated in British English but remains recognized in American English.
2.1. Beating someone physically
Hits or strikes a person repeatedly and violently, usually causing pain or physical injury.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- spares
- protects
- defends
- shields
- comforts
Examples
- The gang lambastes anyone who challenges its authority.
- The historical account describes how the soldiers lambaste captured prisoners.
Related Words
2.2. Beating someone with an implement
Strikes someone repeatedly with a stick, whip, cane, or another object as a form of physical punishment.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- spares
- protects
- shields
- treats gently
Examples
- The historical narrative describes how the guards lambaste the prisoner with whips.
- The old account recounts how the offender is lambasted with a cane.