THE FIRST WORD

vituperate

PRONUNCIATION:

(vi-TOO-puh-rayt, -TYOO-, vi-) 

MEANING:

verb tr., intr.: To use harsh or abusive language.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin vituperare (to blame), from vitium (fault) + parare (to make or prepare). Earliest documented use: 1542.

USAGE:

"In debate, Thaddeus Stevens vituperates with relish -- You fatuous nincompoop, you unnatural noise! -- at foes of the 13th amendment."
Roy Blount; Mr. Lincoln Goes to Hollywood; Smithsonian (Washington, DC); Nov 2012.