n.
Function: intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
1 obsolete : to quarrel noisily
2 : to find fault noisily or angrily
transitive verb : to censure severely or angrily : REBUKE
– scold · er noun
synonyms SCOLD , UPBRAID , BERATE , RAIL , REVILE , VITUPERATE mean to reproach angrily and abusively. SCOLD implies rebuking in irritation or ill temper justly or unjustly <angrily scolding the children>. UPBRAID implies censuring on definite and usually justifiable grounds < upbraided her assistants for poor research>. BERATE suggests prolonged and often abusive scolding < berated continually by an overbearing boss>. RAIL ( at or against ) stresses an unrestrained berating < railed loudly at their insolence>. REVILE implies a scurrilous, abusive attack prompted by anger or hatred <an alleged killer reviled in the press>. VITUPERATE suggests a violent reviling <was vituperated for betraying his friends>.