Lambaste Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• Lambasting is often used in satire, providing sharp commentary on societal faults, with authors like Jonathan Swift and George Orwell utilizing this technique.
• Many playwrights incorporate this term in dialogues to showcase characters expressing dissent or disapproval.
• Critics may use lambasting reviews to create a dramatic effect, vividly capturing the audience's attention.

Pop Culture

• In modern media, celebrities are often lambasted for their actions or decisions, especially on social media platforms.
• Stand-up comedians regularly lambaste public figures, using humor to highlight flaws or missteps.
• Reality TV often features contestants lambasting each other, enhancing drama and viewer engagement.

Psychology

• Being lambasted can lead to feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem in the person criticized.
• Psychologists note that the intensity of criticism can significantly impact interpersonal relationships.
• If someone is often lambasted, it can lead to increased defensiveness in their future communication.

Historical Context

• Political figures have frequently faced lambasting from both the press and their opponents throughout history, shaping public perception.
• During the 1960s, social movements lambasted government policies, leading to significant societal changes.
• Legal cases sometimes involve lambasting public figures, influencing jury sentiments and media narratives.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the late 19th century, derived from the Malay word 'baste', which means to beat or thrash.
• It originally referred to a physical beating, but over time evolved to mean verbal criticism.
• The transition in usage reflects a broader tendency in language for words to evolve from physical actions to more abstract meanings.

The word 'lambaste' originated in the late 16th century from the Middle Dutch word 'lam 'beest', which means 'lamb beast'. The term was used to describe the act of beating or thrashing, similar to how a lamb would be beaten. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to harshly criticizing or scolding someone.

At position #41,285, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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• 41282 flagellating
• 41283 duskier
• 41284 quesadilla
• 41285 lambaste
• 41286 sudsing
• 41287 rosiness
• 41288 traducer
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