lambaste

or lam·bast

[ lam-beyst, -bast ]

verb (used with object)

, lam·bast·ed, lam·bast·ing.

1. to beat or whip severely.
2. to reprimand or berate harshly; censure; excoriate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lambaste¹

First recorded in 1630–40; apparently lam ¹ + baste ³

Example Sentences

Gaetz, as a man, appears to be widely detested by his former colleagues, given the number willing to publicly lambaste him.

From Salon

In recent years, Bieniemy has reportedly interviewed for 15 NFL head coaching jobs without landing an offer, making some question his people skills and others lambaste teams for passing him over so many times.

From Los Angeles Times

I arranged the interview because I wanted to check in on a politician I’ve been friendly with for years yet didn’t hesitate to lambaste after her accident.

From Los Angeles Times

During the 2009 meeting, interrupting a proceeding largely dedicated to the finer points of a data sharing arrangement between the fishermen and the government fisheries scientists, Hinman went off agenda to lambaste the board about what he saw as a failure to update its methods for assessing the population with the evolving science.

From Slate

No—Ackman’s saved his invective to lambaste perceived wrongdoings at Harvard, instead.

From Slate

Related Words

• assail
• berate
• castigate
• excoriate
• scold
• upbraid