rebuke

American  

[ri-byook] / rɪˈbyuk /

verb (used with object)

rebuked, rebuking

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

   Synonyms:

   admonish, chide, upbraid, censure

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noun

1. sharp, stern disapproval; reproof; reprimand.

   Synonyms:

   censure, remonstration, reproach

rebuke British  

/ rɪˈbjuːk /

verb

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

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noun

1. a reprimand or scolding

Related Words

See reproach.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of rebuke

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

Example Sentences

Because that designation is typically used for foreign adversaries, the move would mark an unusual rebuke of a U.S. company.

From The Wall Street Journal

The U.S. ambassadors to France and Poland have also gotten into disputes with the countries in which they are stationed, drawing rebukes from Paris and Warsaw.

From The Wall Street Journal

Convener Edward Mountain rebuked the government over the failure to table the legislation last month.

From BBC

The developments mark a rare public rebuke of federal immigration law enforcement and add to broader scrutiny over ICE’s use of force and transparency.

From Salon

In the television studio, Norwegian sports legends rebuked him for upstaging his teammate who won gold.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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