diatribe
Say it: DY-uh-tryb /ˈdaɪətraɪb/ · noun
What “diatribe” means
A fierce, bitter speech attacking someone or something.
More precisely: A forceful, bitter verbal attack against someone or something.
Example: “His review turned into a diatribe against every superhero film of the decade.”
When to use it
In critical descriptions of speeches, articles or conversations that turn into angry, sustained attacks rather than balanced discussion.
Similar words
tirade, rant, invective
Where it comes from
From Greek diatribē, 'spending of time, discourse'.
Quick check
A speaker spends their entire turn bitterly attacking the local council, offering insults instead of solutions. That's…
a diatribe or a rebuttal?
Show the answer
a diatribe
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