reprimand

[rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd]

noun

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

   Synonyms: censure, reprehension, condemnation

verb (used with object)

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

   Synonyms: reprehend, condemn, censure

reprimand

/ ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd /

noun

1. a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reprimand¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of reprimand¹

C17: from French réprimande , from Latin reprimenda (things) to be repressed; see _repress

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

“Ah, the mighty Taakora,” a voice says—smooth, confident, and reprimanding.

Read more on Literature

She entertained the horrible Babushkawoos as best she could with stories and games, and offered gentle reprimands whenever their behavior grew intolerable.

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on BBC

Promptly ordered to Moscow, the sub commanders were reprimanded for “allowing” themselves to be detected by the Americans.

Read more on Literature

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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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