lambaste
verb
-ˈbast
Did you know?
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.
Examples of lambaste in a Sentence
Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Two of the primary victors — Reps. Helen Kerwin and Alan Schoolcraft — sat on the committee as Talarico lambasted school vouchers as an issue.
—Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
During one of their annual St. Patrick’s Day shows at MGM Music Hall at Boston’s Fenway Park on March 16, Casey lambasted a fan who was waving around his red MAGA hat during the show.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 30 July 2025
Despite Canada relenting on its digital services tax that the president has lambasted, Trump continued to threaten higher tariffs on some Canadian goods, including lumber.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lambaste
Cite this Entry
“Lambaste.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lambaste. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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lambaste
verb
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