What does harangue mean?
A harangue is a long, forceful speech addressed to an audience, often but not invariably marked by criticism, indignation, or strenuous exhortation. As a noun, it names the speech itself; as a verb, it describes the act of delivering one. The word is chiefly literary and formal, and it generally carries a mildly disparaging implication: speakers may call a passionate address a harangue because its force or length seems excessive. Neutral, dignified discourse is more often called a speech, address, or oration. Harangues occur in political rallies, classrooms, courtrooms, and literary works, where a character may use one to rally supporters or overwhelm opponents. Although its tone can vary, the term is most useful when emphasis falls on the public, impassioned character of the speech rather than merely on its subject. A reader who encounters this distinctive word will understand that it is not simply any talk but an emphatically delivered address intended to move, chastise, or awaken its listeners.
A long, forceful or impassioned speech delivered to a group of people, typically one that criticizes, denounces or strongly urges its listeners.
"The audience grew restless during the candidate's extended harangue."
Often used in a mildly disparaging or ironic sense.
To address a group at length in a forceful, impassioned or critical speech.
"He harangued the crowd for nearly an hour about the alleged injustice."
The verb usually implies that the speech is emphatic, prolonged or dominating.
The regular plural of the noun is harangues.
"The program featured lengthy harangues by several prominent speakers."
The word travelled from Italian aringa, meaning a public oration, into a tradition of speeches so forceful that listeners often remembered the volume rather than the message.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does harangue come from?
The word entered English in the early 17th century from French harangue. French had borrowed the term from Italian aringa, meaning a public speech or oration, while the medieval Latin form harangua is also recorded. The ultimate origin of the Latin word is uncertain, and it is commonly described as being of Germanic origin.
Related word forms
How harangue is actually used
Chiefly formal and literary. The term often carries a mildly disparaging implication that a speech is excessively forceful, one-sided or long-winded.