Opprobriate

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To express strong disapproval or reproach toward someone; to censure or condemn publicly
2. To publicly vilify or denounce someone for their actions or behavior
3. to express harsh criticism or strong disapproval towards an individual

Etymology: "Opprobriate" is built from "opprobrium," a Latin noun meaning disgrace, shame or reproach, which itself comes from "opprobrare," to heap insults upon someone. The root sense is physical: the Latin verb combines "ob," meaning against or upon, with "probrum," a disgraceful act or shameful thing. So the original idea is of shame being piled onto a person, which is why the modern verb keeps a strong sense of public humiliation rather than quiet disapproval. The verb is formed in English by adding the suffix "-ate," which turns a noun into a verb meaning to do or make something, as in "associate" or "congratulate." Here the suffix attaches to "opprobrium" to yield a verb meaning to subject someone to open, harsh criticism. The same suffix also yields an adjective form, showing that the base noun was adapted in two directions in English.

Synonyms: reproach, rebuke, scold

Antonyms: praise, commend