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to read

to read

24 8.9
To criticize or insult someone sharply, often in public
  • verb
  • /rɛd/
  • Offensive
: poner a parir
  • I had your ass read at the parking lot.
  • read the riot act
  • get read

Examples

  • Please, anyone else reading this post, take a look at what kind of idiot this guy is.

    Blog text (13)
  • Next time, say what you want to so I don't have to read your angry shit!

    Blog text (5)
  • But the comments were reading me because they were like girl what?

  • I mean yeah you are dude, read the fucking room.

  • I'm reading you like a book.

  • I read you loud and clear, sweetie.

  • Reading you like a menu, son.

  • Frankly, that is the best insult I have ever read in my life.

    Blog text (2)
  • You really are the dumbest person I've ever read here on this blog, and that includes Kenny.

    Blog text (4)
  • When he heard my critique, he quickly realized I was about to read him for his careless mistakes.

Synonyms

every name in the book
vsto read
  • Informal
3 8.6

To call someone many rude names

focuses on many insults in anger rather than witty fault pointing
to read to filth
vsto read
  • Offensive
9.9

Strongly insult someone in front of others to embarrass them

is sharper and more witty rather than purely a ruthless attack

Antonyms

300 1.6

A polite remark that praises someone or something

220 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

Idioms

27 4.1

To understand what someone means without them saying it directly

7 7.9

To scold someone strongly and warn them of punishment

to read the room
  • Informal
2 5.3

To notice how people in a group feel and act and change what you say or do

1 8.1

To look at the slope and surface of a golf green to decide how to hit a putt

Prepared while someone speaks the words and not checked by the writer, often containing mistakes

9.9

To act in a way that seems foolish or crazy to other people

Phrasal Verbs

to read mind
  • Informal
100 7.7

To know what another person is thinking without them saying it

54 2.5

To say words from a written text so others can hear

40 5.7

To understand what someone says by watching their lips

to read my mind
  • Informal
34 6.0

To know what someone is thinking without them saying it

to read out
  • Specialized
5 3.4

To show measured values from a device on a screen

To read every page of a book or magazine from start to finish

Play music by following the written notes on the page

To understand what a woman says by watching her lips move

to read to filth
  • Offensive
9.9

Strongly insult someone in front of others to embarrass them

Compounds

14 3.7

A book or article that people say everyone should read

5 1.2

A short, easy book or article you can read quickly

read-out
  • Specialized
4 5.4

An electronic screen that shows numbers and text

read-only memory
  • Specialized
1 4.4

A small computer chip that holds information you can use but cannot change

read-only file
  • Specialized
1 3.9

A file you can open and view but cannot change or delete

1 3.9

A CD for computers that holds data you cannot change

A chip you clear with ultraviolet light and then write new information on it

read-only memory chip
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A small computer chip that stores data you cannot change

Read method
  • Archaic
7.5

A way of natural childbirth that uses education and breathing to reduce pain and help you relax

A way of giving birth that treats labor as normal and uses teaching, breathing, and relaxation to reduce pain

read-only storage
  • Specialized
4.3

A part of a computer where information can be looked at but not changed

How Harsh

to humiliate
  • Offensive
208 6.1
to read
  • Offensive
24 8.9
to mock
  • Offensive
264 3.4
to criticize
653 3.3
to tease
228 1.9

Surface Forms

read infinitive
reading present participle
reads third person singular
read past
read past participle

Etymology

A helpful way to remember the slang sense of read ('to criticize sharply') is to think of 'reading someone like a book' and pointing out their faults aloud.