lambasts
/ˈlæmˌbæsts/
VERB
1. To criticize or reprimand harshly
To express strong disapproval of someone or something through severe criticism, condemnation, or verbal reprimand.
1.1. Harshly scolding or reprimanding someone
To speak angrily to someone and strongly rebuke them for their behavior, mistakes, or failures.
Synonyms
- berates
- scolds
- reprimands
- rebukes
- upbraids
- admonishes
- chastises
- chews out
- dresses down
- takes to task
Antonyms
- commends
- praises
- compliments
- approves
Examples
- The professor lambasts students who repeatedly ignore assignment deadlines.
- The manager lambasts the staff for failing to follow company procedures.
Related Words
1.2. Publicly condemning or denouncing something
To express strong public disapproval of a policy, decision, action, institution, or person, often through forceful statements.
Synonyms
- denounces
- condemns
- decries
- criticizes
- censures
- castigates
- excoriates
- vilifies
- disparages
- reviles
Antonyms
Examples
- The journalist lambasts the government's failure to address climate change.
- Opposition leaders lambast the new policy during a televised debate.
Related Words
- opposes
- disapproves
- protests
- accuses
- challenges
1.3. Verbally attacking or insulting someone
To attack someone's reputation, character, or actions with harsh, insulting, or abusive language.
Synonyms
- assails
- attacks
- abuses
- insults
- reviles
- upbraids
- tongue-lashes
- harangues
- vilifies
- bad-mouths
Antonyms
- compliments
- praises
- respects
Examples
- The commentator lambasts the actor for making offensive remarks.
- The newspaper lambasts the official in a sharply worded editorial.
Related Words
- ridicules
- mocks
- slanders
- libels
- belittles
1.4. Severely criticizing performance or work
To attack the quality, effectiveness, or results of a person's work, performance, or creative output with exceptionally strong criticism.
Synonyms
- slams
- pans
- savages
- flays
- rips apart
- hammers
- tears into
- blasts
- criticizes
- excoriates
Antonyms
Examples
- Film critics lambast the director's latest movie for its weak storyline.
- The coach lambasts the team after another disappointing performance.
Related Words
VERB
2. To beat or thrash severely
To strike or beat someone repeatedly and violently, a dated sense particularly associated with British English.
2.1. Inflicting a severe physical beating
To physically assault someone by striking them repeatedly and forcefully.
Synonyms
Examples
- In the old story, the angry master lambasts the servant with a stick.
- The historical account describes how the soldiers lambast the captured prisoner.