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Definition of lambaste

lambaste

/læmˈbeɪst/
(UK: lambast)
lam · baste
Past Simple:lambasted
•
Past Participle:lambasted
•
Present Participle:lambasting
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lambaste Lexical Profile

lambaste Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To criticize or reprimand someone or something harshly and publicly.

Example

"Film critics were quick to lambaste the director's latest movie for its incoherent plot."

2

To beat, thrash, or whip someone severely (archaic or informal).

Example

"In the nineteenth-century novel, the cruel taskmaster threatened to lambaste any worker who fell behind schedule."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lambaste
Antonyms
View all antonyms for lambaste

Word Nuance & Usage

Although both 'lambaste' and 'lambast' are accepted spellings in standard English, 'lambaste' (rhyming with 'paste') is far more common in contemporary usage.

• Rhymes for lambaste

• Nearby Words

lama
lamb
lamb's lettuce
lambaste
lambda
lambie
lambing

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century as a tautological compound combining the verbs 'lam' (meaning to beat soundly, likely of Old Norse origin) and 'baste' (meaning to thrash or cudgel).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Lambaste. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/lambaste
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