vituperating
Verbally tearing apart
Vituperating is harshly criticizing or verbally abusing someone.
The word carries a sense of bitter, sustained attack rather than mere disagreement: The senator spent twenty minutes vituperating his opponents on the floor.
It's a formal word, more common in writing than speech.
Expression of disappointment
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- upbraidingCriticizing someone sharply
chastisement · admonishment · berating · objurgation · chiding · lecture · tongue-lashing · dressing-down
Formal public accusation
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- excoriationHarsh criticism; skin abrasion
- castigationSevere verbal criticism
- anathemaIntensely detested thing
execration · vilification · opprobrium · reprobation · fulmination · malediction · imprecation · damnation
Severely and bitingly critical
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- vitriolicHarshly bitter and corrosive
- acerbicSharp and biting
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
venomous · savage · blistering · trenchant · acrimonious · mordant · corrosive · harsh
Extended angry speech
- diatribeBitter, prolonged verbal attack
- harangueAggressive lengthy scolding
- rantAngry prolonged outburst
- broadsideFierce written assault
philippic · polemic · screed · outburst · barrage · torrent · volley · blast
Criticism meant to diminish
- denigrationUnjust attack on reputation
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
- slanderSpoken false defamation
calumny · aspersion · maligning · traducing · smearing · libel · mudslinging · character assassination
reproach
Expression of disappointment
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
upbraiding · chastisement · admonishment · berating · objurgation · chiding · lecture · tongue-lashing · dressing-down · telling-off
denunciation
Formal public accusation
- censureFormal institutional disapproval
- excoriationHarsh criticism; skin abrasion
- castigationSevere verbal criticism
anathema · execration · vilification · opprobrium · reprobation · fulmination · malediction · imprecation · damnation · curse
scathing
Severely and bitingly critical
- causticChemically burning; bitterly mocking
- vitriolicHarshly bitter and corrosive
- acerbicSharp and biting
biting · venomous · savage · blistering · trenchant · acrimonious · mordant · corrosive · harsh · bitter
tirade
Extended angry speech
- diatribeBitter, prolonged verbal attack
- harangueAggressive lengthy scolding
- rantAngry prolonged outburst
broadside · philippic · polemic · screed · outburst · barrage · torrent · volley · blast · fusillade
disparagement
Criticism meant to diminish
- denigrationUnjust attack on reputation
- vilificationAbusive condemnation of someone
- defamationFalse statements harming reputation
slander · calumny · aspersion · maligning · traducing · smearing · libel · mudslinging · character assassination · deprecation
vituperatingpraising
Voicing admiration
lauding · extolling · complimenting · eulogizing · acclaiming