reprimand

[ noun rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd; verb rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd ]
See synonyms for: reprimandreprimandedreprimandingreprimands on Thesaurus.com

noun
  1. a severe reproof or rebuke, especially a formal one by a person in authority.

verb (used with object)
  1. to reprove or rebuke severely, especially in a formal way.

Origin of reprimand

1
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 press1 )

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 for reprimand

Other words from reprimand

  • rep·ri·mand·er, noun
  • rep·ri·mand·ing·ly, adverb
  • o·ver·rep·ri·mand, verb (used with object)
  • un·rep·ri·mand·ed, adjective
  • un·rep·ri·mand·ing, adjective

Words Nearby reprimand

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use reprimand in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for reprimand

reprimand

/ (ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd) /


noun
  1. a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

verb
  1. (tr) to admonish or rebuke, esp formally; reprove

Origin of reprimand

1
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