tongue-lash

[ tuhng-lash ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to scold severely.

tongue-lash

verb

1. tr to reprimand severely; scold

Derived Forms

• ˈtongue-ˌlashing, nounadjective

Other Words From

• tongue-lashing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tongue-lash¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Nor is it meant as insurance against the possibility of a free-range Patti LuPone showing up to tongue-lash you for texting or taking pictures during the performance.

From New York Times

If you got too close, she might tongue-lash you a little bit.

From The Guardian

Mr. Trump has been known to freeze out or tongue-lash critics for far less.

From New York Times

Brian Beutler added, “That’s actually the optimistic view. Because it’s equally possible Christie knows Putin wouldn’t be rattled by a humiliating, Jersey-style tongue-lash – and believes that only actual force, rather than just forceful words, would give Putin pause. Which brings us back to the merits, such as they are, of not doing ‘stupid s**t.’”

From MSNBC

The fact that they couldn’t reverse the deal only exacerbated their anger, and led them to tongue-lash Hagel.

From Time

Related Words

• berate
• censure
• chastise
• criticize
• excoriate
• flog
• lambaste
• lash
• penalize
• pummel
• punish
• rebuke
• reprimand
• scold
• upbraid