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
Michael Loria, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025
When details first emerged about reinstating the head tax, an independent expert lambasted the idea.
—Lauren Victory, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025
President Boric has been lambasted by Chile's right wing, who blame his administration for disregarding security, which is perceived to have skyrocketed under his leadership.
—NPR, 14 Nov. 2025
Throughout the campaign and after the election, Catsimatidis has lambasted Mamdani’s agenda.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 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 27 Nov. 2025.
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lambaste
verb
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