Words / C2

lam-BAST/læmˈbæst/

To lambast (also lambaste) is to criticise someone or something with force: lambast the report, lambasted in the press. Criticise (already in the dictionary) is everyday and calmer; castigate and excoriate (already in the dictionary) are the close literary twins. Objurgate (already in the dictionary) is a harsh personal rebuke; scathing (already in the dictionary) is the adjective of tone. Put the missing date in the minutes, not in a corridor blast.

Meaning

To criticise someone or something severely (also lambaste).

Examples

• “Lambast the missing date in the minutes; corridor heat is not a record.”
• “Criticise is everyday (already in B2). Castigate and excoriate are severe (already in C2). Objurgate is a scolding (already in C2). Heat in the corridor is theatre. Two figures on a slide can be calm and still fatal. Table the n; spare the scorched-earth aside.”

Good to know

Attack with harsh criticism (also lambaste). Everyday: criticise (already in this dictionary). Close: castigate / excoriate (already in C2). Contrast: objurgate (rebuke a person — already in C2). A date belongs in the minutes.

Near in meaning

criticise, castigate, excoriate, rebuke

New