VITUPERATE

[vi.tu.per.ate] vb -at.ed ; -at.ing [L vituperatus, pp. of vituperare, fr. vitium fault + parare to make, prepare--more at pare] vt (1542): to abuse or censure severely or abusively: berate ~ vi: to use harsh condemnatory language syn see scold -- vi.tu.per.a.tor n