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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overreprimandverb (used with object)
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unreprimandedadjective
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unreprimandingadjective
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reprimandernoun
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reprimandinglyadverb
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have reprimandedperfect
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has reprimandedperfect 3rd person singular
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have been reprimandingperfect progressive
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are reprimandingprogressive
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reprimandingparticiple
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has been reprimandingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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am reprimandingprogressive 1st person singular
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reprimandssingular 3rd person
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is reprimandingprogressive 3rd person singular
Past
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had reprimandedperfect
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reprimandedparticiple
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had been reprimandingperfect progressive
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were reprimandingprogressive plural
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was reprimandingprogressive singular
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reprimandedsimple
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 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
Violators face nothing more serious than firing, reduction in salary grade, a ban on federal employment for up to five years, suspension, reprimand or a fine of up to $1,000.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026
Constance, who accepted the inquiry's findings, was given a written reprimand and told to make a statement to parliament to update the official record.
From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026
Couture and DeAscentiis face consequences ranging from a verbal reprimand to expulsion from the university.
From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025
“Here’s hoping they ran off to join the circus,” Mama said to Ophie, the first words she’d uttered since her reprimand earlier in the afternoon.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
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.
