Finesentence

Lambasting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔥
Save

lambasting

lam-bast-ing

🇺🇸 /ɫæmˈbeɪstɪŋ/ · 🇬🇧 /lˈæmbɑːstɪŋ/

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

strong criticism

To lambaste means to criticize someone or something very harshly and publicly. It often involves vocal disapproval and can indicate a sense of indignation or anger regarding a particular subject.

Synonyms

berate, chide, revile, scold.

Examples of usage

  • The politician was lambasted by the media for his controversial remarks.
  • She was lambasted by her peers for her lack of preparation.
  • Critics lambasted the film for its poor script and acting.
  • The company was lambasted for its environmental practices.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “lambasting”

Lambasting is a 3-syllable verb (lam-bast-ing). It is pronounced /ɫæmˈbeɪstɪŋ/ in American English and /lˈæmbɑːstɪŋ/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #38,986 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'lambasting'

The word 'lambaste' originates from the late 19th century, combining the words 'lamb' and 'baste.' The specific etymology is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to derive from the Scottish dialect, where 'baste' means to beat or thrash. The notion of beating is metaphorical in this context, referring to the forcefulness of the criticism rather than a physical action. The term gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly in political and social discourse. It has since become a common term in journalism and public commentary, often used to describe intense criticism in various contexts such as politics, entertainment, and social issues. Over time, 'lambaste' has evolved to encompass not only verbal rebukes but also written critiques, reflecting the broader evolution of public discourse.


Rhymes

Lambasting rhymes with hasting, wasting, tasting, pasting and basting.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,986, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.