Tirade - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

angry speech

A tirade is a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation. It is often characterized by a verbal outburst filled with strong emotions.

Synonyms

diatribe, harangue, rant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tirade	Used when referring to a long, angry speech that criticizes someone or something. Often implies passion and intensity. He launched into a tirade about the poor service at the restaurant. Her tirade about political corruption lasted for nearly half an hour.
diatribe	This word is used for long, bitter, and sharply critical speeches or writings. It often implies deep-seated anger and is somewhat formal. The article was a diatribe against modern politics. He delivered a diatribe against the exploitation of workers.
harangue	Best used for long, forceful, and fervent speeches, often delivered in a public setting. It may have a negative connotation, suggesting that the speaker is overbearing or self-important. During the protest, the leader harangued the crowd for hours. She harangued her employees during the meeting, leaving everyone feeling uncomfortable.
rant	Used for informal, loud, and often angry or emotional speeches that may lack coherence. Commonly used in everyday conversation. He went on a rant about traffic jams this morning. Her rant about reality TV shows was quite entertaining.

Examples of usage

She went on a tirade against her boss for his unfair treatment.
His tirade against the government lasted for over an hour.

Interesting Facts

Literature

Tirades often appear in plays and novels, showcasing a character’s strong emotions or frustrations.
Famous literature includes tirades from characters like Moby Dick's Captain Ahab, highlighting obsession and anger.

Pop Culture

In movies, a classic tirade can be found in speeches before a big battle, like in epic films where characters rally their troops.
Television shows often use humorous tirades to portray characters in over-the-top rants about everyday frustrations.

Psychology

Expressing feelings through a tirade can be a way to release pent-up emotions, but doing it too often might strain relationships.
Psychologists suggest that while tirades can feel cathartic, they may not always lead to effective communication.

History

Historically, notable figures like Winston Churchill used tirades to inspire and galvanize people during challenging times.
In political debates, tirades have been a way for candidates to energize their supporters and criticize opponents.

Origin of 'tirade'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the French 'tirade', meaning a long speech or monologue.
It originally referred to a theatrical term, illustrating how characters would express long, passionate speeches.

The word 'tirade' originated in the mid-18th century from the French word 'tirade', which means 'a long speech'. It was later adopted into English with the same meaning. Over time, the word has come to specifically refer to a long, angry speech filled with criticism or accusations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,469, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24466 unacknowledged
24467 testable
24468 gurgling
24469 tirade
24470 belittle
24471 showdown
24472 unpromising
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Tirade Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations