declaim Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb recite in elocution
    recite.
  2. verb speak against in an impassioned manner
    inveigh.
    • he declaimed against the wasteful ways of modern society

WordNet

De*claim" intransitive verb
Etymology
L. declamare; de- + clamare to cry out: cf. F. déclamer. See Claim.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Declaimed ; present participle & verbal noun Declaiming
Definitions
  1. To speak rhetorically; to make a formal speech or oration; to harangue; specifically, to recite a speech, poem, etc., in public as a rhetorical exercise; to practice public speaking; as, the students declaim twice a week.
  2. To speak for rhetorical display; to speak pompously, noisily, or theatrically; to make an empty speech; to rehearse trite arguments in debate; to rant.
    Grenville seized the opportunity to declaim on the repeal of the stamp act. Bancroft.
De*claim" transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To utter in public; to deliver in a rhetorical or set manner.
  2. To defend by declamation; to advocate loudly. Obs. "Declaims his cause." South.

Webster 1913