reprimand
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Synonym Usage
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
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” ( see press 1)
Explanation
If you're reprimanded, someone in authority speaks to you in an angry way because you've done something wrong. Or you might reprimand your dog if he steals your hot dog. The House of Representatives has a couple of ways to punish naughty members. One way is to reprimand them by voting to express disapproval. In 2009, Representative Joe Wilson was reprimanded after his outburst of "You lie!" during President Obama's speech. In the halls of Congress, this is considered "unparliamentary language," but if you yell at your congressman, that's okay.
Vocabulary lists containing reprimand
I Am Malala
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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
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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.
In addition to the expulsion and point penalty punishments, a reprimand was also imposed on Southampton.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
According to Sato’s lawsuit, the chief initiated a complaint against her for insubordination, and she was disciplined with a reprimand.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
AI has a somewhat dubious reputation in the legal world, where lawyers in recent months have drawn ridicule and reprimand for submitting briefs riddled with citations to fictional cases and factual errors.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026
Couture and DeAscentiis face consequences ranging from a verbal reprimand to expulsion from the university.
From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025
Maybe Maribel’s parents and my parents had decided between them that my father would be the one who would reprimand us when we finally came home.
From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez
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.
