Which word means 'to criticize harshly; to berate'?

Which word means 'to criticize harshly; to berate'?

• A. Propitiate
• B. Protean
• C. Vituperate
• D. Expurgate

Answer: (C)

Vituperate means to criticize harshly; to berate. It captures a sense of lashing out with harsh, abusive language, not just giving a mild critique. In a sentence, a reviewer who vituperates a film uses scathing, invective language to condemn it. Propitiate means to appease or conciliate, often to regain favor. Protean describes versatility or the ability to change shape. Expurgate means to remove objectionable material or censor. None of these convey the idea of harshly condemning with biting language, which is why vituperate is the best fit.

Vituperate means to criticize harshly; to berate. It captures a sense of lashing out with harsh, abusive language, not just giving a mild critique. In a sentence, a reviewer who vituperates a film uses scathing, invective language to condemn it.

Propitiate means to appease or conciliate, often to regain favor. Protean describes versatility or the ability to change shape. Expurgate means to remove objectionable material or censor. None of these convey the idea of harshly condemning with biting language, which is why vituperate is the best fit.