Word of the day: DIATRIBE
Pronunciation: di·a·tribe UK/ˈdaɪ.ə.traɪb/   US/ˈdaɪ.ə.traɪb/

Meaning

A diatribe refers to a forceful and bitter verbal or written attack against someone or something.

Origin and History

The word diatribe comes from the Greek word διατριβή (diatribē), which means a wearing away of time, employment, study, or discourse.

The Greek word is composed of 'dia' (through) and 'tribein', which means 'to rub' or 'wear away'.

Over time, through the Latin diatriba, the term evolved to denote a more negative connotation, referring to bitter and abusive criticism.

In English, it's used to describe a harsh, critical speech or piece of writing.

Examples from literature

  • Her arms were folded, her lips were pursed, and she seemed to be chewing her tongue, as though biting back the furious diatribe she longed to throw at Harry. – Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire by J. K. Rowling
  • Mom eavesdrops on Abuela and me and then lambastes us with one of her sixty-odd diatribes when she doesn’t like what she hears. – Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina García

Synonyms

  • Tirade
  • Rant
  • Attack
  • Condemnation
  • Criticism