berate

[ bih-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, be·rat·ed, be·rat·ing.

1. to scold; rebuke:

   He berated them in public.

   Synonyms: vilify, objurgate, vituperate, abuse

berate

/ bɪˈreɪt /

verb

1. tr to scold harshly

Word History and Origins

Origin of berate¹

First recorded in 1540–50; be- + rate ²

Example Sentences

They’ve taught me that I don’t have to berate myself, hate myself, call myself names.

From Salon

The Japan head coach's leadership style has been criticised in a book by former England scrum-half Danny Care, who claimed players were belittled and berated in a "toxic environment".

From BBC

Jones' leadership style has been criticised in a book by former England scrum-half Danny Care, who claimed players were belittled and berated in a "toxic environment".

From BBC

After a minute, the two officers ordered Bates to stand up, placed her in handcuffs and berated her for running away.

From Los Angeles Times

In his paperwork, Jackson included a transcript of what he said was a conversation between himself and Palmer’s mother, Sharon, where she berated him with homophobic insults.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• castigate
• chide
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• revile
• scold
• upbraid