Definition of vituperate
intransitive verb
:to use harsh condemnatory language
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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
vituperate Synonyms
Synonyms
abuse, assail, bash, belabor, blast, castigate, excoriate, jump (on), lambaste (or lambast), potshot, savage, scathe, slam, trash, attackRelated Words
berate, harangue, harass, harry, revile, scold, whip; blaspheme, curse, execrate, imprecate, profane; affront, insult, slur; asperse, bad-mouth, belittle, blackguard, disparage, put down; libel, slander, traduce, vilify; chastise, chide, criticize, lace (into), rebuke, reprimand, reproof; fulminate, lash (out)Near Antonyms
acclaim, commend, compliment, hail, laud, praiseSynonym Discussion of vituperate
scold, upbraid, berate, rail, revile, vituperate mean to reproach angrily and abusively. scold implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly.
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- angrily scolding the children
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- upbraided her assistants for poor research
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- berated continually by an overbearing boss
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- railed loudly at their insolence
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- an alleged killer reviled in the press
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- was vituperated for betraying his friends
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