Diatribe

A diatribe is a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something. It's a prolonged, critical speech or writing characterized by harsh language, vehement criticism, and often, a ranting or declamatory style. The purpose is typically to condemn, denounce, or express strong disapproval. A diatribe can target individuals, groups, ideologies, or institutions and frequently involves a sustained and impassioned argument. It's a powerful form of expression but can be seen as aggressive or even offensive depending on the context and audience. The tone is typically one of outrage, indignation, or resentment.

Diatribe meaning with examples

• The newspaper's editorial unleashed a scathing diatribe against the city council's proposed budget cuts, accusing them of prioritizing special interests over essential services. The writer's words were a blistering condemnation, detailing the anticipated negative consequences and using inflammatory language to rally public opposition against the plan. The entire piece focused on lambasting the decision makers.
• The professor's lecture transformed into a passionate diatribe against the pervasive influence of social media, which, he argued, was eroding critical thinking skills and fostering a culture of superficiality among students. He used many supporting arguments and real-world scenarios to bolster his point and held absolutely no punches.
• During the political rally, the candidate delivered a lengthy diatribe targeting their opponent's voting record, accusing them of hypocrisy and betraying the values of the electorate. The candidate's speech was full of harsh rhetoric and personal attacks, attempting to sway the crowd. This focused approach made the situation far more dire.
• Following the announcement of the company's downsizing, a former employee penned a furious diatribe on their blog, detailing their grievances about unfair treatment and mismanagement, naming specific individuals and accusing them of unethical practices. This served as a very public complaint regarding the company's policies and unfair actions.