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Definition of vituperate
vituperated
;vituperating
transitive verb
: to abuse or censure severely or abusively : berate
intransitive verb
: to use harsh condemnatory language
From the M-W Editors
vituperate was our Word of the Day on 06/24/2011. Hear the podcast!
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Examples of vituperate in a Sentence
every week the minister would ascend the pulpit and vituperate the parishioners for a litany of vices
Did You Know?
Vituperate has several close synonyms, including "berate" and "revile." "Berate" usually refers to scolding that is drawn out and abusive. "Revile" means to attack or criticize in a way prompted by anger or hatred. "Vituperate" adds to the meaning of "revile" by stressing an attack that is particularly violent in nature. It first appeared in English in the mid-16th century and can be traced back to two Latin words: the noun vitium, meaning "fault," and the verb parare, meaning "to make or prepare."
Origin and Etymology of vituperate
Latin vituperatus, past participle of vituperare, from vitium fault + parare to make, prepare — more at pare
Synonym Discussion of vituperate
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