Expostulate

Origin

First attested circa 16th century, from Latin expostulatus, past participle of expostulo, "demand or claim," from ex- + postulo, "demand".

Full definition of expostulate

Verb

1. To protest or remonstrate; to reason earnestly with a person on some impropriety of conduct.
• JowettMen expostulate with erring friends; they bring accusations against enemies who have done them a wrong.
• 1719, Daniel Defoe, The tears would run plentifully down my face when I made these reflections; and sometimes I would expostulate with myself why Providence should thus completely ruin His creatures, and render them so absolutely miserable; so without help, abandoned, so entirely depressed, that it could hardly be rational to be thankful for such a life.
• 1843, Thomas_Carlyle, , book 2, ch. XI, The Abbot’s Ways… he affectionately loved many persons to whom he never or hardly ever shewed a countenance of love. Once on my venturing to expostulate with him on the subject, he reminded me of Solomon: “Many sons I have; it is not fit that I should smile on them.”

Synonyms

• challenge
• demur
• except
• inveigh
• kick
• object
• protest
• remonstrate
• squawk