lambasted

Lambasted is a verb that means to criticize someone or something harshly. It implies a vigorous and often public denunciation. The word originates from the Old French word "lambas," which referred to a whip or a lash, suggesting a stinging or painful form of criticism. When someone is lambasted, they are subjected to severe verbal assault, often with the intent to shame or humiliate them. This can occur in various contexts, such as political debates, media reviews, or public discourse. The criticism can be directed at a person's actions, words, or character. The intensity of the term suggests that the criticism is not merely a mild disagreement but a forceful and often angry attack.