Dictionary.com

reprimand

[ noun rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd; verb rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd ]
/ noun ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd; verb ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˌrɛp rəˈmænd, -ˈmɑnd /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: reprimand / reprimanded / reprimanding / reprimands on Thesaurus.com

noun
a severe reproof or rebuke, especially a formal one by a person in authority.
verb (used with object)
to reprove or rebuke severely, especially in a formal way.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of reprimand

1630–40; <French réprimande,Middle French reprimend<Latin reprimenda that is to be repressed (feminine gerund of reprimere), equivalent to re-re- + prim(ere) to press1 + -enda, feminine gerund suffix

synonym study for reprimand

2. 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 WORDS FROM reprimand

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use reprimand in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for reprimand

reprimand
/ (ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd) /

noun
a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke
verb
(tr) to admonish or rebuke, esp formally; reprove

Word Origin for reprimand

C17: from French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda (things) to be repressed; see repress
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
FEEDBACK