reprimand

[rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd]

noun

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

   Synonyms: censure, reprehension, condemnation

verb (used with object)

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

   Synonyms: reprehend, condemn, censure

reprimand

/ ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd /

noun

1. a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

verb

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of reprimand¹

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of reprimand¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

Again, it's hard to know why he is being reprimanded but some have wondered if it's the underlying message in his broadcasts - in an unfair world, you must make only practical choices.

From BBC

They will attempt to activate a little-used Parliamentary device to summon Musk to the bar of the House of Commons to be reprimanded by MPs.

From BBC

Ortega pushed back, reading from the reprimand, which Bovino signed, stating that he was describing “illegal aliens.”

From Los Angeles Times

The report will now go to the standards committee of the Senedd to recommend whether and how to reprimand Laura Anne Jones, with a final decision to fall to the Welsh Parliament itself.

From BBC

Last year, the Electoral Commission was publicly reprimanded for a litany of security failures that allowed hacking groups to spy undetected, after breaking into databases and email systems.

From BBC

Related Words

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