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
Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026
The public defender council lambasted DHS’ characterization of the suspect.
—Holly Yan, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026
Viewers come to learn that Lori long ago abandoned her painting ambitions after a chance encounter with Julian, who publicly lambasted her work.
—Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
Delaportas lambasted the farmer for threatening to cut off service due to nonpayment.
—Sam Blum, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lambaste
Cite this Entry
“Lambaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lambaste. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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lambaste
verb
