To scold someone harshly or criticize them angrily and repeatedly for something they did wrong.
From 'be-' (to make or cause) combined with 'rate' (to scold), likely from Old Norse 'hrata' meaning to attack or reproach. The prefix 'be-' was used to intensify the action, making it mean to thoroughly scold.
Parents who berate children are usually trying to teach them, but research shows harsh scolding actually makes kids less likely to listen—their brains shut down in fear mode instead of learning mode.
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