railing
railing Lexical Profile
railing Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A barrier or fence made of horizontal rails supported by vertical posts, typically installed along stairs, balconies, or walkways to provide support and prevent people from falling.
"She gripped the wooden railing tightly as she walked down the steep, icy steps."
Angry, bitter, or abusive language directed against someone or something; the act of complaining or scolding vehemently.
"His constant railing against the new municipal tax policy failed to sway the city council."
• verb
To complain, protest, or speak out angrily and bitterly against someone or something (present participle of rail).
"The columnist spent the entire article railing against corporate greed and environmental neglect."
To enclose, separate, or furnish a space with a rail or barrier (present participle of rail, often used with 'in' or 'off').
"Maintenance crews are railing off the damaged section of the pier to keep pedestrians safe."
• Rhymes for railing
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
In the sense of a barrier, it derives from Middle English 'raile', from Old French 'reille' (iron rod or bar), ultimately from Latin 'regula' (straight stick or rule). In the sense of bitter complaint, it stems from a distinct verb borrowed from Old French 'railler' (to mock or tease).