reproach
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
-
blame or censure conveyed in disapproval.
a term of reproach.
- Synonyms:
- disapproval, condemnation, remonstrance, criticism, rebuke, reprehension
- Antonyms:
- praise
-
an expression of upbraiding, censure, or reproof.
- Synonyms:
- disapproval, condemnation, remonstrance, criticism, rebuke, reprehension
- Antonyms:
- praise
-
disgrace, discredit, or blame incurred.
to bring reproach on one's family.
- Antonyms:
- honor
-
a cause or occasion of disgrace or discredit.
-
Also called Improperia. Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church. the Reproaches. a series of antiphons sung in church on Good Friday, consisting of words addressed by Christ to His people, reminding them of His mercies and of their ingratitude.
-
an object of scorn or contempt.
idioms
verb
-
to impute blame to (a person) for an action or fault; rebuke
-
archaic to bring disgrace or shame upon
noun
-
the act of reproaching
-
rebuke or censure; reproof
words of reproach
-
disgrace or shame
to bring reproach upon one's family
-
something that causes or merits blame, rebuke, or disgrace
-
perfect; beyond criticism
Related Words
Reproach, rebuke, scold, reprove imply calling one to account for something done or said. Reproach is censure (often about personal matters, obligations, and the like) given with an attitude of faultfinding and some intention of shaming: to reproach one for neglect. Rebuke suggests sharp or stern reproof given usually formally or officially and approaching reprimand in severity: He rebuked him strongly for laxness in his accounts. Scold suggests that censure is given at some length, harshly, and more or less abusively; it implies irritation, which may be with or without justification: to scold a boy for jaywalking. A word of related meaning, but suggesting a milder or more kindly censure, often intended to correct the fault in question, is reprove : to reprove one for inattention.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of reproach
First recorded in 1375–1425; (noun) late Middle English reproche, from Old French, derivative of reprochier “to reproach,” from unattested Vulgar Latin repropiāre “to bring back near,” equivalent to Latin re- “back, near; again” + Late Latin -propiāre (derivative of Latin prope “near”; see re-, approach); (verb) late Middle English reprochen, from Old French reprochier
Explanation
Reproach means to mildly criticize. If you show poor manners at your grandmother's dinner table, she will reproach you. The verb reproach means to express disapproval or criticism of; as a noun it means blame or criticism. If you are beyond reproach that means no one could find anything to criticize about you. Synonyms for reproach are the verbs admonish, reprove, rebuke, reprimand. As a noun, reproach can also be shame. If you are caught lying, it is a reproach that might bother you for a while.
Vocabulary lists containing reproach
Metamorphosis
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The Odyssey
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Grade 10, List 6
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A 2011 research paper in the journal of Social Psychological and Personality Science sums it up in the title: Do Gooder Derogation: Disparaging Morally Motivated Minorities to Defuse Anticipated Reproach.
From The Guardian • Jan. 15, 2017
The writer David Rieff questions the tech-centric approach to fighting global poverty of the Gates Foundation in a new book, “The Reproach of Hunger.”
From New York Times • Oct. 31, 2015
Reproach Sir: Congratulations on the splendid photo of "French Children, 1947," which serves to point up the lead article of your May 19th issue.
From Time Magazine Archive
Reproach turned to anger when a U.S.-built Chinese Nationalist patrol bomber overflew Burma, apparently trying to drop supplies to the fleeing Kuomintang forces.
From Time Magazine Archive
“Yes, by George. Maybe. Reproach from you. Yes.”
From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
