lambaste
verb
-ˈbast
Did you know?
The origins of lambaste (which can also be spelled lambast) are somewhat uncertain, but the word was most likely formed by combining the verbs lam and baste, both of which mean “to beat severely.” (This baste is unrelated to either the sewing or cooking one.) Although lambaste started out in the 1600s meaning “to assault violently,” English speakers were by the 1800s applying it in cases involving harsh attacks made with words rather than fists. This new sense clearly struck a chord; after fighting its way into the lexicon, lambaste has held fast ever since.
Examples of lambaste in a Sentence
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 7 July 2025
In a statement, Cohn lambasted the parent community and the board’s decision to delay.
—Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
His remarks, which also lambasted the media and numerous outlets, have sparked backlash from critics and journalists.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025
Two key Trump advisers are launching a group to unseat Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who has a history of opposing the president and most recently lambasted the decision on the U.S. strike.
—Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lambaste
Cite this Entry
“Lambaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lambaste. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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lambaste
verb
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