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
David Goldman, CNN Money, 5 Aug. 2025
In the preview for the new episode, the plotline introduced in the season premiere appears to continue, with Trump continuing his relationship with Satan, including some under-the-table groping at a black tie event and, of course, Eric Cartman lambasting everyone around him.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2025
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects the legislation will increase the national debt by $3.4 trillion, which Musk lambasted.
—Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 8 July 2025
Several players and coaches lambasted the heat and playing surfaces.
—Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 31 July 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 20 Aug. 2025.
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lambaste
verb
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