These verbs, nouns, and adjectives all relate to the concept of “verbal attack.” Familiarize yourself with these words and their definitions so that you will be able to recognize them and remember their negative connotations when you approach the sentence completion and reading comprehension sections of the college entrance examinations.
asperse (verb) - to attack with evil reports or false or injurious charges [noun form: aspersion]
billingsgate (noun) - coarsely abusive language
calumniate (verb) - to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about [noun form: calumny]
censure (verb) - to find fault with and criticize as blameworthy [noun form: censure; adjective form: censorious]
denounce (verb) - to pronounce, especially publicly, to be blameworthy or evil [noun form: denunciation]
derision (noun) - the use of ridicule or scorn to show contempt
diatribe (noun) - bitter and abusive speech or writing
disparage - (verb) to speak ill of
invective (noun) - 1. an abusive expression or speech 2. insulting or abusive language [adjective form: invective]
lambaste (verb) - 1. to attack verbally 2. to assault violently
malign (verb) - to utter injuriously misleading or false reports about
obloquy (noun) - 1. abusive language 2. bad repute as a result of being discredited
philipic (noun) - a discourse full of bitter condemnation
reprehend (verb) - to voice disapproval of [noun form: reprehension]
scurrilous (adjective) - containing obscenities, abuse, or slander
tirade (noun) - a protracted speech marked by harshly critical and often malicious language
vilify (verb) - to utter slanderous and abusive statements against
- Read examples of the usage of some of these words:
