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Synonyms

reprimand

American  
[rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd] / ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˌrɛp rəˈmænd, -ˈmɑnd /

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 British  
/ ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd /

noun

  1. a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

"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

verb

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

"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

Related Words

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

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

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” ( press 1 )

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.

The Texas AFT’s lawsuit said that following the agency’s September email, teachers were doxxed, put on leave, reprimanded or terminated over their social-media posts.

From The Wall Street Journal

Constance, who accepted the inquiry's findings, was given a written reprimand and told to make a statement to parliament to update the official record.

From BBC

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

Couture and DeAscentiis face consequences ranging from a verbal reprimand to expulsion from the university.

From Salon

After surrendering his troops, Burgoyne was sent home, where he was reprimanded over the defeat and condemned for McCrea’s killing.

From The Wall Street Journal