Diatribe

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈdaɪ.əˌtɹaɪb/

Definitions

1. A vehement and sustained criticism delivered verbally or in writing that attacks a specific individual or concept harshly
2. An intense and prolonged expression of bitter criticism aimed at denouncing a person or idea in a very forceful manner
3. A harsh and extended speech or piece of writing that vocally condemns a particular individual or concept with strong feelings

Etymology: The Greek word "diatribē" originally meant something quite calm: a way of spending time, or a lecture, from "dia" ("through") and "tribein" ("to rub, wear away"). The sense of spending time through wearing it down gave the Greeks a term for a learned discussion, the kind of extended talk that philosophers held in their schools. Latin took the word as "diatriba," still meaning a learned discourse, and French passed it along as "diatribe." English first recorded the word in 1581, borrowed from French, and it arrived with that scholarly sense intact. The modern meaning of a long, bitter denunciation developed later, so the anger that now defines the word was not part of its earliest English use. The shift from neutral learned talk to harsh attack happened gradually after the word entered the language.

Synonyms: tirade, rant, criticism

Antonyms: praise, commendation