berating

[ bih-rey-ting ]

noun

1. the act or habit of scolding, rebuking, or harshly criticizing another:

   The player earned a red card for his constant berating of the referee.

adjective

1. scolding, rebuking, or harshly criticizing:

   When you talk to him about these behavioral issues, take care not to use a berating tone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of berating¹

First recorded in 1830–40; berat(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun; berat(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective

Example Sentences

Gerda’s clearest memory of that night: Do berating another Voice of OC reporter to the point that Do’s supporters had to hold him back.

From Los Angeles Times

He began aggressively berating her and fired her on the spot, she said.

From BBC

And there was time for some sarcastic clapping and berating when the referee blew the final whistle, before he stormed off.

From BBC

"You are going to tell them some home truths sometimes and they might be upset with them, but not completely berating them down to nothing."

From BBC

Hamilton, who was just 0.073secs slower than Russell despite being three places behind him, was left berating himself as his qualifying struggles this season continued.

From BBC