What term means to rebuke or scold at length?

The term that means to rebuke or scold at length is "berate." It suggests a strong reprimand that is typically forceful and prolonged, emphasizing the intensity and duration of the scolding. When someone is berated, they are often subjected to a harsh tirade or an extended criticism, which makes this word particularly suitable for expressing a severe form of reprimanding behavior.

In contrast, while "chide" conveys scolding, it usually implies a more gentle or mild form of reprimand rather than a long or intense one. "Criticize" is a broader term that encompasses various forms of fault-finding and does not necessarily connote the lengthy nature of the scolding that "berate" conveys. Similarly, "reprimand" can also refer to a scolding, but it does not inherently include the aspect of being lengthy, which is a key feature of "berate." Thus, in the context of needing a term that specifically points to a lengthy and intense rebuke, "berate" is the most precise choice.