tirade etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "tirade" ultimately derives from the Latin word "dīrādīre," meaning "to tear apart." It entered English in the 16th century via French.

A tirade is a long, angry, or pompous speech or piece of writing that denounces or attacks someone or something. It is characterized by its strong emotions and lack of objectivity.

Origin

The origin of the word "tirade" lies in the Latin verb "dīrādīre," which means "to shred, tear apart, or mangle." This verb is formed from the root "dīr-," which means "apart," and the suffix "-ādīre," which means "to do."

In Roman law, a "tirade" referred to a speech delivered by a prosecutor in which he or she tore apart the character of the accused. This usage reflects the etymological meaning of "dīrādīre" as "to tear apart."

Over time, the meaning of "tirade" broadened to encompass any long and angry speech or piece of writing that attacked or denounced someone or something. Today, the word is often used in a figurative sense to refer to a sustained verbal attack.

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