rebuke

American  

[ri-byook] / rɪˈbyuk /

verb (used with object)

rebuked, rebuking

1. to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.

   Synonyms:

   admonish, chide, upbraid, censure

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noun

1. sharp, stern disapproval; reproof; reprimand.

   Synonyms:

   censure, remonstration, reproach

rebuke British  

/ rɪˈbjuːk /

verb

1. (tr) to scold or reprimand (someone)

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noun

1. a reprimand or scolding

Related Words

See reproach.

Other Word Forms

• rebukable adjective
• rebuker noun
• rebukingly adverb
• unrebukable adjective
• unrebuked adjective

Etymology

Origin of rebuke

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English rebuken (verb), from Anglo-French rebuker ( Old French rebuchier ) “to beat back,” equivalent to re- re- + bucher “to beat, strike,” from Germanic

Example Sentences

An equally stinging rebuke came out of the primary race in the Eighth Congressional district, to replace Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.

From The Wall Street Journal

Her brightly stained lips tightened and she twitched her head in a no-no rebuke.

From Literature

His tone is somewhere between rebuking and resigned, as if he’s disappointed in me but didn’t expect to be otherwise.

From Literature

The United States sanctioned three Chilean officials, including the transport minister, over the project -- a rare rebuke of one of the United States' closest Latin American allies.

From Barron's

Figures joins a small group of businesses rebuking the idea that influencer marketing is all about reaching as many people as possible.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• admonish
• berate
• castigate
• censure
• chide
• go after
• oppose
• reprimand
• reproach
• scold
• upbraid