scold
- pronunciation:
- skold
- parts of speech:
- verb, noun
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
scolded, scolding, scolds |
| definition: |
to speak in a sharp or angry way.
The woman scolded her child for being mean to his brother.- synonyms:
- bawl out
- antonyms:
- praise
- similar words:
- abuse, blast, blister, criticize, lecture, take to task
|
| related words: |
admonish, correct |
|
|
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition: |
a person who often scolds others.
No one liked him because he was such a scold. |
| related words: |
nag |
| derivations: |
scoldingly (adv.), scolder (n.) |
Scold probably comes from the early Norse word
skald, which means "poet." Centuries ago, the wandering poets of Scandinavia were experts at mocking and scolding in a memorable way.