reprimand

American  

[rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd] / ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˌrɛp rəˈmænd, -ˈmɑnd /

noun

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

   Synonyms:

   censure , reprehension , condemnation

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verb (used with object)

1. to reprove or rebuke severely, especially in a formal way.

   Synonyms:

   reprehend , condemn , censure

reprimand British  

/ ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd /

noun

1. a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

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verb

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

Related Words

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

• overreprimand verb (used with object)
• reprimander noun
• reprimandingly adverb
• unreprimanded adjective
• unreprimanding adjective

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” ( press ¹ )

Example Sentences

It has not made a single public reprimand of the UAE and the prospect of actions – used in other conflicts - such as economic sanctions is zero.

From BBC

It is worth noting there have already been weeks of leaks and speculation over policy to the media in the run-up to the Budget, which the chancellor was reprimanded for by deputy speaker Nus Ghani.

From BBC

Just a couple of months later, Kiffin was unveiled as the coach of Tennessee, where he quickly garnered a reprimand from the Southeastern Conference commissioner for comments about Florida’s Urban Meyer.

From The Wall Street Journal

The ECB recommended Bresnan and Blain both be given a £5,000 fine, be reprimanded and attend an education course at their own expense, especially if they intend to return to cricket.

From BBC

The University Judiciary Committee, a student-run disciplinary system, later reprimanded Ms. Bettinger based on that allegation — despite finding no evidence that she referred to protesters in a threatening way, according to Reason.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• admonish
• castigate
• censure
• chide
• criticize
• denounce
• rebuke
• reproach
• upbraid