Berate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when criticizing someone severely and at length. Often implies anger and may be seen as harsh or excessive.

• The manager berated the employee for their repeated mistakes
• She was berated by her parents for staying out too late

This word is less formal and more common in everyday conversations. It implies nagging or mildly angrily telling someone off, often used with children.

• She scolded her son for not cleaning his room
• The babysitter scolded the kids for making a mess

Common in formal settings or conversations. Used to express sharp disapproval or criticism, usually of someone's actions or behavior.

• The board members rebuked the CEO for his lack of transparency
• She received a rebuke from her supervisor for missing the deadline

Often used in professional or formal environments. It implies a formal expression of disapproval, often written or official.

• The officer received a written reprimand for misconduct
• The employee was reprimanded for arriving late to work multiple times

Typically used for scolding someone harshly, but can be less intense than berate. Often conveys a sense of correcting behavior.

• He was chastised for his poor performance on the test
• The teacher chastised the students for talking during the lesson

When you want to strongly criticize someone, usually in an angry manner.

• She berated her son for coming home late
• The manager berated the team for missing the deadline

When you want to express strong disapproval or declare something morally wrong, often with a sense of finality.

• The human rights organization condemned the government's actions
• The community condemned the plans to demolish the historic building

When there is formal disapproval or criticism, often by an authority or organization.

• The committee voted to censure the politician for unethical behavior
• The board's censure of the CEO was a harsh response to the scandal

When you want to severely punish or criticize someone, often in a formal context.

• The principal castigated the students for vandalizing school property
• The coach castigated the athlete for breaking the rules

When you want to criticize someone in a severe or intense manner, often face-to-face.

• She upbraided her brother for borrowing her car without permission
• The professor upbraided the student for plagiarism