DictionaryrailAngry complaint
verb

rail

To complain bitterly or angrily.

He rails against the unfair rules.

Etymology

The older French verb meant to mock or scold. English retains the forceful verbal attack, especially bitter complaint directed against someone or something.

More examples

  • She railed at the delays.
  • They spent the evening railing against the decision.
  • The speaker railed bitterly about corruption.

Forms

rail · rails · railed · railing

Similar words

rant
Complain in a loud, lengthy, or uncontrolled way.
inveigh
Attack verbally in a formal register.