lambaste
verb
-ˈbast
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The origins of lambaste (which can also be spelled lambast) are somewhat uncertain, but the word was most likely formed by combining the verbs lam and baste, both of which mean “to beat severely.” (This baste is unrelated to either the sewing or cooking one.) Although lambaste started out in the 1600s meaning “to assault violently,” English speakers were by the 1800s applying it in cases involving harsh attacks made with words rather than fists. This new sense clearly struck a chord; after fighting its way into the lexicon, lambaste has held fast ever since.
Synonyms
Examples of lambaste in a Sentence
Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Harris lambasted Trump for his attack on Cheney and said his rhetoric targeting his political opponents has grown increasingly violent.
—Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 1 Nov. 2024
An heir to the Chrysler family declared his intent to buy the brand back from Stellantis and lambasted Tavares and other executives.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 31 Oct. 2024
In a statement issued Tuesday morning (Oct. 15), Harris supporter Wainwright lambasted Trump for playing the singer’s version of Cohen’s beloved 1984 hymn to the universal struggle of love and heartbreak.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2024
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Dictionary Entries Near lambaste
Cite this Entry
“Lambaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lambaste. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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lambaste
verb
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