Definition of harangue

The word "harangue" originated from the Old French word "haranguer", which means "to preach" or "to speak vehemently". This word ultimately derived from the Latin word "harangusta" which was a term used to describe a herald or messenger delivering a royal decree or proclamation. During the Middle Ages, harangues were often delivered by judges in law courts, and were characterized by their lengthy and highly rhetorical nature. These speeches were designed to persuade and convince the audience, often employing elaborate standards of eloquence and rhetorical trickery. Over time, the meaning of "harangue" changed to signify a speech that was highly critical, angry, or abusive in nature. Today, the word is commonly used to refer to a lengthy and impassioned diatribe, delivered in a style that is bombastic, exaggerated, and often intended to incite strong emotion. In contemporary usage, "harangue" is often employed as a derogatory term, used to describe a speaker who pounds away at their topic, regardless of its inherent value, and who shows no regard for the listening audience's capacity to absorb and digest information.