Vituperate: meaning, definitions and examples

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vituperate

 

[ ˈvɪt.ju.pə.reɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

verbal abuse

To vituperate means to criticize or blame someone in a harsh and abusive manner. It often involves the use of venomous language and can be seen as a personal attack aimed at denigrating someone's character or actions. This term is typically used in formal contexts, often in literature or discussions that involve rhetoric. Such verbal assaults can occur in various situations, from political debate to personal disputes.

Synonyms

berate, revile, scold, upbraid, vitriolize.

Examples of usage

  • The politician was vituperated by the media for his controversial decisions.
  • She did not deserve to be vituperated in such a harsh manner.
  • The coach's vituperate remarks demoralized the team.
  • Instead of constructive criticism, he chose to vituperate his rival.

Translations

Translations of the word "vituperate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vituperar

🇮🇳 अपमान करना

🇩🇪 verleumden

🇮🇩 menghujat

🇺🇦 лаяти

🇵🇱 znieważać

🇯🇵 非難する

🇫🇷 vitupérer

🇪🇸 vituperar

🇹🇷 sövmek

🇰🇷 비난하다

🇸🇦 يُشَتِمُ

🇨🇿 urážet

🇸🇰 urážať

🇨🇳 辱骂

🇸🇮 žaliti

🇮🇸 ræna

🇰🇿 жамандау

🇬🇪 მხილება

🇦🇿 təhqir etmək

🇲🇽 vituperar

Etymology

The word 'vituperate' originates from the Latin 'vituperare', which means 'to blame' or 'to find fault with'. It combines 'vitium', meaning 'fault' or 'vice', with 'parare', meaning 'to prepare' or 'to make ready'. The term has been in use in English since the early 17th century, encapsulating the idea of harsh criticism that has deep roots in the understanding of personal attacks and condemnation. Throughout its history, it has been employed in various contexts, especially in literature and rhetoric, to denote not just criticism but an intense verbal attack that aims to harm the recipient's dignity and reputation. Its formal connotation often sets it apart from more everyday synonyms, reflecting a higher level of discourse.