reprimand
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
noun
verb
Synonym Usage
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
Derived Forms
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reprimandernoun
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overreprimandverb (used with object)
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unreprimandedadjective
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unreprimandingadjective
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reprimandinglyadverb
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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reprimandsimple
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reprimandssimple
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have reprimandedperfect
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has reprimandedperfect
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am reprimandingprogressive
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are reprimandingprogressive
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is reprimandingprogressive
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have been reprimandingperfect progressive
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has been reprimandingperfect progressive
Past
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reprimandedsimple
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had reprimandedperfect
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was reprimandingprogressive
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were reprimandingprogressive
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had been reprimandingperfect progressive
Future
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” ( see 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.
Vocabulary lists containing reprimand
I Am Malala
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"The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson
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Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
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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.
After reports of the incident surfaced in June, Chief Circuit Judge Mary H. Murguia ordered an inquiry into judicial misconduct — a charge that could land Nelson with an official reprimand or other penalty.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2026
Mutua has so far escaped any reprimand, let alone criminal charges -- to the consternation of victims' families.
From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026
After a forensic investigation and interviews with six clerks, the 11th Circuit Judicial Council issued a toothless private reprimand: Judge Ross was initially shielded from accountability, her identity shielded from public scrutiny.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
But every reprimand points to how central this anti-corruption drive has become for Xi.
From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026
I did not need to be guided to the well-known room, to which I had so often been summoned for chastisement or reprimand in former days.
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
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.
