rebuke
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
verb
noun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bianco’s unusual probe drew a sharp rebuke from California Atty.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026
Qatar called the attack "dangerous and irresponsible", while the United Arab Emirates offered a rare rebuke, calling it a "dangerous escalation".
From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026
Responding to Trump's rebuke, Cooper said the UK government would not agree with the president "on every issue".
From BBC • Mar. 8, 2026
Within hours, officials across the region were issuing statements, and Saudi Arabia led a sharp rebuke, condemning any suggestion of territorial expansion.
From Slate • Feb. 25, 2026
I shrug, tighten my mouth in silent rebuke, turn my back in bed, leave questions unanswered.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
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.
