Berated

To berate means to scold or criticize someone angrily and at length. It involves a verbal attack, often characterized by harsh language and a tone of disapproval. The act of berating typically focuses on pointing out flaws, errors, or shortcomings in the person being addressed. Berating can be a form of emotional abuse, depending on its severity and frequency, and can be detrimental to self-esteem. It is a forceful expression of displeasure and is typically used to express anger, frustration, or disappointment, intended to reprimand and correct behavior, or express a disapproval of the target's actions or character, and at the same time may be a means to exercise power or control over another person. The intensity and duration of the scolding vary, but the underlying intention is always to communicate strong disapproval.

Berated meaning with examples

• The coach Berated the team after their lackluster performance, yelling at them about their lack of effort and poor teamwork. He pointed out specific mistakes and emphasized the need for improvement. The players, heads bowed, listened silently as he delivered his critical assessment, feeling the sting of his angry words echoing through the locker room.
• After discovering the missing funds, the manager Berated the accountant publicly, accusing him of incompetence and possibly dishonesty. The other employees witnessed the heated exchange, feeling uncomfortable and uneasy by the manager's extreme reaction. The accountant stood defensively as the accusations came pouring out, desperately trying to defend his innocence.
• The mother Berated her child for drawing on the walls with crayons, harshly pointing out the mess and the cost of repainting. She spoke with considerable anger, questioning her child's judgment and the lack of respect for the home. The child started to cry, feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of the scolding and the disappointment in their parent’s voice.
• The customer Berated the store clerk for the faulty product, making sure to voice all his frustrations. He demanded a refund and loudly questioned the quality of the store's merchandise. The clerk, trying to remain professional, calmly apologized and offered a solution, but the customer continued his barrage of criticism, making the experience highly unpleasant for everyone involved.
• The professor Berated the student for plagiarism, threatening disciplinary action and undermining their academic integrity. The professor's voice resonated with both disappointment and fury, as he meticulously detailed the copied passages. The student looked ashamed, realizing the severity of their mistake. The professor emphasized the importance of academic honesty and its value.