Main Entry: vi·tu·per·ate

Pronunciation: \vī-ˈtü-pə-ˌrāt, və-, -ˈtyü-\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): vi·tu·per·at·ed; vi·tu·per·at·ing

Etymology: Latin vituperatus, past participle of vituperare, from vitium fault + parare to make, prepare — more at pare

Date: 1542

transitive verb : to abuse or censure severely or abusively : berateintransitive verb : to use harsh condemnatory language

synonyms see scold

— vi·tu·per·a·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun