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to scold; rebuke:
He berated them in public.
Contemporary Examples

Rather than berate Mitt for the sin of being rich, he said he wanted a flatter tax so everyone could pay the “Romney rate.”
What If Newt Wins S.C.? Howard Kurtz January 18, 2012

The old-school way of hating rubes asks us to berate them into giving up their identity out of shame and disgust.
From Smarm To Snark, We’re All Soldiers In The War On Obscurity James Poulos December 6, 2013

Women are berated—and berate themselves—for dressing too sexily.
In Defense of Slut-O-Ween Emily Shire October 28, 2014

I’m not saying you should be an aggressive jerk, and berate your friends for thinking negative thoughts.
The Depressed Mind David Frum January 13, 2013

A purse can impress and intimidate, bewilder, berate, or amuse.
The Language of Margaret Thatcher’s Handbags Robin Givhan April 7, 2013

Historical Examples

Going to one of them, the one who had declared his intention of joining the union, Jim began to berate him.
Poor White Sherwood Anderson

She had expected him to berate her for taking him for a spy and he had asked her to marry him.
Rebecca’s Promise Frances R. Sterrett

And the men drop in to talk over plans and berate the Governor because things are not in better shape.
A Little Girl in Old St. Louis Amanda Minnie Douglas

Dyckman was a spent and bankrupt object, and anybody could berate him.
We Can’t Have Everything Rupert Hughes

Is this the source of your inspiration when you berate your betters?
The Three Brides, Love in a Cottage, and Other Tales Francis A. Durivage

verb
(transitive) to scold harshly
v.

1540s, from be- “thoroughly” + Middle English rate “to scold” (late 14c.), from Old French reter “accuse, blame,” from Latin reputare (see reputation). “Obsolete except in U.S.” [OED 1st ed.], but it seems to have revived in Britain 20c. Related: Berated; berating.