Harangue

A harangue is a lengthy and aggressive speech, often delivered publicly, designed to criticize, denounce, or lecture someone. It typically involves strong emotional language, inflated rhetoric, and a persistent, often repetitive, style. The aim is often to persuade, but can also be a means of venting frustration, expressing disapproval, or browbeating an audience. A harangue can be formal or informal, but it is usually characterized by a lack of dialogue and a focus on a singular perspective, potentially making the speaker appear out of touch or overbearing. They often occur in the midst of emotional situations and rarely end in compromise or mutual agreement. It's a performance of sorts, designed to have maximum effect on the audience.

Harangue meaning with examples

• The politician launched into a fiery harangue, condemning his opponents and promising sweeping changes. His voice thundered across the room as he relentlessly attacked their policies, leaving no room for rebuttal and attempting to create a one-sided view. The crowd, swayed by his passion, roared in agreement, forgetting the nuanced arguments.
• The disgruntled employee delivered a blistering harangue to his manager about unfair treatment. He punctuated his grievances with sharp gestures and escalating volume. His manager, feeling increasingly uncomfortable, tried to interject, but the employee steamrolled through, fueled by a backlog of resentment and feeling unheard, creating an uncomfortable environment.
• The street preacher subjected passersby to a lengthy religious harangue, warning them of impending doom. The impassioned diatribe, filled with apocalyptic visions, went on and on. Though some listened, others hurried by, ignoring his claims to the moral authority and hoping that he would soon cease his pronouncements.
• The coach's post-game harangue, though intended to motivate, left the team demoralized and defeated. He focused exclusively on their mistakes, disregarding their achievements. The players sat silently in the locker room, their confidence shattered by his angry, unrelenting condemnation and lack of positive reinforcement.
• Ignoring concerns about the impact on vulnerable residents, the developer gave a public harangue at a town hall meeting, dismissing all opposition as uninformed and self-interested, attempting to belittle critics and shut down any debate on the proposed building projects. The residents felt belittled and disregarded.