admonishment
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of admonishment
First recorded in 1250–1300; from Middle French amonestement, equivalent to admonish ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )
Explanation
When a coach pulls a player aside and sternly reminds him or her to stay focused during the game, that’s an admonishment — a firm but constructive rebuke. An admonishment is a strong warning or correction intended to improve behavior. The term comes from the Latin word admonere, meaning "to warn or advise." When a parent insists that a child finishes homework before playing video games, it's meant to encourage responsibility. Admonishments guide individuals away from mistakes and towards better actions, offering necessary feedback without being overly harsh.
Vocabulary lists containing admonishment
The Red Car to Hollywood
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Legendary Frybread Drive-In
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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.
The warmer response was, perhaps, a reaction to public admonishment from former manager Jurgen Klopp, who was angered by Alexander-Arnold's vitriolic treatment from fans who previously idolised him.
From BBC • Nov. 3, 2025
An admonishment is the least severe disciplinary action the Commission on Judicial Performance can issue.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2024
The judge’s admonishment of Peters was breathtaking as he rejected her lies and laid bare her craven motivations and manipulations.
From Slate • Oct. 22, 2024
District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan has actually exercised restraint in his admonishment of Habba, a former federal judge told Business Insider.
From Salon • Jan. 23, 2024
I will repeat only one admonishment from a native of Maine, and I will not put a name to that person for fear of reprisal.
From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck
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.
