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

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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

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verb

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

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 )

Explanation

If you're reprimanded, someone in authority speaks to you in an angry way because you've done something wrong. Or you might reprimand your dog if he steals your hot dog. The House of Representatives has a couple of ways to punish naughty members. One way is to reprimand them by voting to express disapproval. In 2009, Representative Joe Wilson was reprimanded after his outburst of "You lie!" during President Obama's speech. In the halls of Congress, this is considered "unparliamentary language," but if you yell at your congressman, that's okay.

Example Sentences

But every reprimand points to how central this anti-corruption drive has become for Xi.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Violators face nothing more serious than firing, reduction in salary grade, a ban on federal employment for up to five years, suspension, reprimand or a fine of up to $1,000.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

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 • Jan. 6, 2026

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

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

“Well? What sort of light reprimand did our friendly spider god get? A time-out and a stern talking-to?”

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

Related Words

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