harangue

American  

[huh-rang] / həˈræŋ /

noun

1. a scolding or a long or intense verbal attack; diatribe.

2. a long, passionate, and vehement speech, especially one delivered before a public gathering.

3. any long, pompous speech or writing of a tediously hortatory or didactic nature; sermonizing lecture or discourse.

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verb (used with object)

harangued, haranguing

1. to address in a harangue.

verb (used without object)

harangued, haranguing

1. to deliver a harangue.

harangue British  

/ həˈræŋ /

verb

1. to address (a person or crowd) in an angry, vehement, or forcefully persuasive way

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noun

1. a loud, forceful, or angry speech

Related Words

See speech

Other Word Forms

• haranguer noun
• unharangued adjective

Etymology

Origin of harangue

First recorded in 1530–40; (noun) from Middle French harangue. from Italian ar(r)inga “speech, oration,” noun derivative of ar(r)ingare “to speak in public,” verbal derivative of aringo “public square,” from unattested Gothic hriggs “ring” (verb) from Middle French haranguer, from Italian ar(r)ingare; see ring ¹

Explanation

A harangue is more than a speech, louder than a discussion, and nastier than a lecture. It is a verbal attack that doesn't let up, delivered as a verb or received as a noun. Either way, it's pretty unpleasant. The word harangue developed its modern spelling around 1530, when the word was recorded as harangue in French. The word, meaning a strong, nasty rant, appears to have evolved from the Old Italian word aringa, probably from the word for a public square or place for public speaking. This in turn appears to have evolved from a Germanic word related to ring, as in "circular gathering," which is clearly similar to the Italian meaning.

Example Sentences

For most Americans, it’s common sense: You don’t harangue your coworkers because of personal beliefs and behaviors, just because they’re different from yours.

From Salon • Aug. 1, 2025

The police arrive, and the locals harangue them for doing too little.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2024

They listened stoically to committee members — some of whom have medical degrees but none any evident expertise in scientific research — harangue them about supposed flaws in their scientific methods.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2023

“We will not allow Red Rose Rescue to harass and harangue New Yorkers with their outrageous militant tactics.”

From Washington Times • Jun. 8, 2023

Bartholomew would harangue them until the bell tolled for sext, the midday prayers.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz

Related Words

• diatribe
• discourse
• jeremiad
• oration
• screed
• spiel
• tirade