Dressing down is a form of criticism or reprimand, usually in the form of verbal abuse. Berating is an 8-letter term for speaking harshly and angrily to someone. REPROVAL is another 8-letter term for expressing disapproval or criticism. Chiding is a 7-letter term for SCOLDING someone in a milder way than berating. LECTURE is a 7-letter term for delivering a speech or talk to someone in order to criticize or reprimand them. An earful is a 6-letter term for a long and harsh SCOLDING. REPROOF is a 7-letter term for expressing disapproval or criticism. Lambasting is a 10-letter term for a severe verbal attack or criticism. Finally, SCOLDING is an 8-letter term for speaking harshly and angrily to someone.