Words / C2

ty-RAYD/taɪˈreɪd/

A tirade is a long, angry blast of criticism: a tirade against, launch into a tirade. Harangue (already in the dictionary) is a scolding lecture; rant is everyday. Speech is neutral. Do not call a two-line complaint a tirade.

Meaning

A long, angry speech of criticism.

Examples

• “The meeting collapsed into a tirade about parking.”
• “The item on parking became a tirade and never reached a vote.”
• “A harangue lectures; a tirade mainly rages. Length plus anger is the test.”

Good to know

A long angry speech of criticism. Everyday: rant. Close: harangue (scolding lecture). Not a brief gripe.

Near in meaning

rant

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