reprimand

American  

[rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd] / ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˌrɛp rəˈmænd, -ˈmɑnd /

noun

1. a severe reproof or rebuke, especially a formal one by a person in authority.

   Synonyms:

   censure , reprehension , condemnation

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verb (used with object)

1. to reprove or rebuke severely, especially in a formal way.

   Synonyms:

   reprehend , condemn , censure

reprimand British  

/ ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd /

noun

1. a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

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verb

1. (tr) to admonish or rebuke, esp formally; reprove

Related Words

Reprimand, upbraid, admonish, censure all mean to reprove, reproach, or criticize (someone) adversely for behavior deemed reprehensible. Reprimand implies a formal rebuke, as by a superior, person in authority, or an official or official body: reprimanded by the judge and warned of a possible charge of contempt of court. Upbraid suggests relatively severe criticism, but of a less formal sort: The minister upbraided the parishioners for their poor church attendance. Admonish refers to a more gentle warning or expression of disapproval, often including suggestions for improvement: gently admonished the children to make less noise; admonished the players about promptness at practice sessions. Censure involves harsh, vehement criticism, often from an authoritative source: censured in the media for her off-the-cuff remarks; voted to censure their fellow senator.

Other Word Forms

• overreprimand verb (used with object)
• reprimander noun
• reprimandingly adverb
• unreprimanded adjective
• unreprimanding adjective

Etymology

Origin of reprimand

First recorded in 1630–40; from French réprimande, Middle French reprimend, from Latin reprimenda “that is to be pressed back,” feminine gerund of reprimere “to press back, restrain,” from re- re- + prim(ere) “to press” ( press ¹ )

Example Sentences

It has not made a single public reprimand of the UAE and the prospect of actions – used in other conflicts - such as economic sanctions is zero.

From BBC

It is worth noting there have already been weeks of leaks and speculation over policy to the media in the run-up to the Budget, which the chancellor was reprimanded for by deputy speaker Nus Ghani.

From BBC

Just a couple of months later, Kiffin was unveiled as the coach of Tennessee, where he quickly garnered a reprimand from the Southeastern Conference commissioner for comments about Florida’s Urban Meyer.

From The Wall Street Journal

The standards committee said Jones had accepted that the post was "unacceptable" but she had failed to reprimand the member of staff.

From BBC

Some can be heard shouting back at Mr Nawat in the video, after he raises his voice to reprimand Ms Bosch and repeatedly tells her to stop talking.

From BBC

Related Words

• admonish
• castigate
• censure
• chide
• criticize
• denounce
• rebuke
• reproach
• upbraid