vituperate

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verb vi·tu·per·ate \vī-ˈtü-pə-ˌrāt, və-, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of vituperate

vituperated

;

vituperating

transitive verb
: to abuse or censure severely or abusively : berate
intransitive verb
: to use harsh condemnatory language

vituperator

play \vī-ˈtü-pə-ˌrā-tər, və-, -ˈtyü-\ noun

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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

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First Known Use: 1542

See Words from the same year

Synonym 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. angrily scolding the children upbraid implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds. upbraided her assistants for poor research berate suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding. berated continually by an overbearing boss rail (at or against) stresses an unrestrained berating. railed loudly at their insolence revile implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred. an alleged killer reviled in the press vituperate suggests a violent reviling. was vituperated for betraying his friends