Definition

1. Noun:

   • A lengthy, aggressive, and often loud speech delivered with strong emotion, typically intended to persuade, criticize, or incite an audience. It often has a negative connotation of being bombastic, tedious, or overly forceful.

2. Verb:

   • To deliver such a speech; to address someone or a group in a forceful, ranting, or declamatory manner.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The politician's speech was more of a tiresome harangue than a persuasive argument.
  • We had to listen to a long harangue from our boss about office punctuality.

• Verb:

  • The coach harangued the team for their lack of effort at halftime.
  • He stood on the street corner, haranguing passersby about his political views.

Advanced Usage

• "To go on a harangue": To launch into a long, critical speech.

  • Every time we mention the budget, the manager goes on a harangue about fiscal responsibility.

• "Subject someone to a harangue": To force someone to listen to a lengthy, aggressive speech.

  • The unfortunate intern was subjected to a 30-minute harangue for a minor formatting error.

Variants and Related Words

• Haranguer (n): A person who delivers harangues.
  • The protest was led by a famous haranguer known for his fiery rhetoric.

Synonyms

• Tirade: A long, angry speech of criticism or accusation.
• Diatribe: A forceful and bitter verbal attack.
• Sermon: A long or tedious moralizing talk (used informally and negatively).
• Rant: To speak or shout at length in an angry, impassioned way.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Harangue" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. Its usage is typically direct: "harangue someone.")

Related Idioms

• "To read/treat someone the riot act": To give someone a severe reprimand or warning. This is conceptually similar to haranguing someone.
  • After the prank, the principal read them the riot act.

Noun

1. a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion

Verb

1. deliver a harangue to; address forcefully