Tirade
/taɪˈreɪd/noun
A long, angry, or passionate speech, especially one criticizing someone or something.
Did you know?Tirade entered English through theatrical and musical vocabulary, where its Italian ancestor could describe a drawn-out passage or sequence of notes before becoming associated with prolonged speech.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Latin
Latin
*tirare
“A probably Germanic-influenced Romance verb meaning “to pull” or “draw”; its deeper origin remains uncertain.”
15th Century
Italian
tirare
“To pull, draw, shoot, or produce a sequence of sounds or words.”
16th Century
Italian
tirata
“A pull, stretch, prolonged musical passage, or extended verbal sequence.”
17th Century
French
tirade
“A long passage of speech or an extended sequence, especially in drama or rhetoric.”
Early 19th Century
English
tirade
“A long, vehement speech or piece of writing, usually expressing strong criticism.”
Modern English
English
tirade
“An angry, forceful, and often lengthy verbal attack.”
Explore more surprising origins