This verb means to scream at, shriek at, or rail against someone with harsh words. The root connects to Arabic words for screaming, scolding, and reviling, and to Syriac terms for anger. In 1 Samuel, it describes Nabal's response when David's men approached him for provisions. After David's men had protected Nabal's shepherds and flocks in the wilderness, they politely requested food. But Nabal 'screamed at them' or 'railed against them,' responding with insulting rhetoric and refusing to acknowledge David. The verb captures Nabal's churlish, abusive response—not merely refusing but doing so with verbal assault. His name means 'fool,' and his behavior proved it, nearly bringing destruction on his household.