reprimand

[ noun rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd; verb rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd ]

See synonyms for reprimand on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

verb (used with object)

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

Origin of reprimand

1630–40; <French réprimande,Middle French reprimend<Latin reprimenda that is to be repressed (feminine gerund of reprimere), equivalent to re-re- + prim(ere) to press¹ + -enda, feminine gerund suffix

synonym study For reprimand

2. 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 words for reprimand

1	condemnation, reprehension
1, 2	censure
2	condemn, reprehend

See synonyms for reprimand on Thesaurus.com

Other words from reprimand

rep·ri·mand·er, noun
rep·ri·mand·ing·ly, adverb
o·ver·rep·ri·mand, verb (used with object)
un·rep·ri·mand·ed, adjective
un·rep·ri·mand·ing, adjective

Words Nearby reprimand

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use reprimand in a sentence

Two years later, the reprimand was overturned, but Mia was unsuccessful in her bid to annul the adoptions.
The Woody Allen Allegations: Not So Fast | Robert B. Weide | January 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Though Steele was never charged, he was given a career-ending reprimand.
Black Hawk Down’s Long Shadow | Daniel Klaidman | October 9, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He failed to reprimand the MKs in question, implicitly suggesting that in the Likud, support for two states is optional at best.
Ambassador Oren Tells AIPAC Likud Supports Two States | Sigal Samuel | March 4, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
He Made a Positive Test Result ‘Go Away’ Did Armstrong pay to have a reprimand by the International Cycling Union disappear?
Speed Read: Eight Shocking Bits From the USADA’s Lance Armstrong Report | Laura Colarusso, Nina Strochlic | October 11, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
He and one other officer received only a letter of reprimand.
When the Tragedy of Two Marines Killed In a Crash Becomes a Nightmare | Miranda Green | May 27, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST

One would think that the chorus should rather give the son a severe reprimand for speaking in so brutal a manner to his father.
A Philosophical Dictionary, Volume 1 (of 10) | Franois-Marie Arouet (AKA Voltaire)
Hoory Nicolas then began to converse with me, in the way of reprimand, for being in connexion with the English.
Fox's Book of Martyrs | John Foxe
More than once had Betsy's careless behavior drawn a reprimand upon her father.
Napoleon's Young Neighbor | Helen Leah Reed
Maciej did not finish his sentence, however, for the offended shoemaker began to reprimand him sternly.
More Tales by Polish Authors | Various
One of his first acts was severely to reprimand Puttkammer for misusing government influence at elections.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 8 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for reprimand

reprimand

/ (ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd) /

noun

a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

verb

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

Origin of reprimand

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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