rebuke
Americanverb (used with object)
noun
verb
noun
Related Words
See reproach.
Other Word Forms
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
Explanation
If you receive a rebuke, it means that you have been reprimanded, or scolded. You're sure to get a rebuke if you forget to do your math homework four days in a row. The word rebuke can be a verb, meaning to sternly reprimand or scold, but it can also be a noun, because a rebuke is the result of being scolded. The root comes from the Old French rebuchier and means "to hack down," or "beat back." A rebuke, then, is meant to be critical and to chide — in today's terms, a rebuke is verbal smack-down!
Vocabulary lists containing rebuke
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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.
Appeared in the December 20, 2025, print edition as 'A Big IPO, a Tesla Rebuke, More Hollywood Drama'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025
He said, “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.”
From Washington Post • Sep. 10, 2021
Rebuke is actually too frivolous a word for the contumely Mr. Wolfe looses in his direction.
From New York Times • Aug. 30, 2016
Deutsche Bank Earnings Beat Expectations Shareholders Rebuke Murdoch’s Sons Wanted: A reliable overseas business partner to invest more than $1 billion trapped in Nigeria.
From New York Times • Oct. 25, 2011
His Discourse, which follows the gentle Rebuke he received from the Angel, shews that his Love, however violent it might appear, was still founded in Reason, and consequently not improper for Paradise.
From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph
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.
