rebuke

[ri-byook]

verb (used with object)

rebuked, rebuking 

1. to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.

   Synonyms: admonish, chide, upbraid, censure

noun

1. sharp, stern disapproval; reproof; reprimand.

   Synonyms: censure, remonstration, reproach

rebuke

/ rɪˈbjuːk /

verb

1. (tr) to scold or reprimand (someone)

noun

1. a reprimand or scolding

Other Word Forms

• rebuker noun
• rebukable adjective
• rebukingly adverb
• unrebukable adjective
• unrebuked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebuke¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English rebuken (verb), from Anglo-French rebuker ( Old French rebuchier ) “to beat back,” equivalent to re- re- + bucher “to beat, strike,” from Germanic

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebuke¹

C14: from Old Norman French rebuker , from _re- + Old French buchier to hack down, from busche log, of Germanic origin

Synonym Study

See reproach.

Example Sentences

The policy drew rebukes from press-rights organizations, which have highlighted the role journalists have played in revealing wasteful spending, conflicts of interest and misconduct.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The commentators who rebuked Israel’s strategy, urged the nation to abandon its hostages and compromise its borders and declared it impossible to defeat Hamas were wrong.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s the kind of victory you frame on the wall, as rebuke of all your critics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It would be a rebuke to the tide of left-wing populism that has caused trouble from Brazil through Colombia, Venezuela and Central America.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Benioff’s call to send National Guard troops to San Francisco drew sharp rebukes from several of the region’s elected Democratic leaders.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admonish 
• berate 
• castigate 
• censure 
• chide 
• go after 
• oppose 
• reprimand 
• reproach 
• scold 
• upbraid