reprove
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
Synonym Usage
See reproach.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
reprovesimple
-
reprovessimple
-
have reprovedperfect
-
has reprovedperfect
-
am reprovingprogressive
-
are reprovingprogressive
-
is reprovingprogressive
-
have been reprovingperfect progressive
-
has been reprovingperfect progressive
Past
-
reprovedsimple
-
had reprovedperfect
-
was reprovingprogressive
-
were reprovingprogressive
-
had been reprovingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of reprove
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English reproven, from Old French reprover, from Late Latin reprobāre, equivalent to re- re- + probāre “to test,” ( see prove)
Explanation
If you get into trouble and are sent to the principal’s office, be prepared for the principal to reprove you for your behavior. To reprove is to scold, reprimand, or — in plain English — “chew out.” Reprove is a verb used in the same way as “scold,” or “dress down.” To reprove is to express your dissatisfaction or disapproval with something. It’s a less severe word than denounce or decry. It is closer to the verb criticize. Your parents might reprove you for a minor offense like not cleaning your room or chewing with your mouth open. And, for the record, reprove is not the root word prove with the prefix re- as if to mean “prove again.” If you use it that way, someone would likely reprove you.
Vocabulary lists containing reprove
"Of Plymouth Plantation," Vocabulary from the historical account
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT words Beginning with "R"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Uprising," Vocabulary from the historical novel
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
That includes making do with less as they reestablish their place in society, rethink their careers and reprove their worth.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2021
He refused to see a doctor because he didn’t want his mission president to reprove him.
From Slate ● Oct. 13, 2015
Scalia’ll reprove ya With some jurisprudential effluvia, Then, with scowling harrumph And a baleful galumph, He’ll trudge homeward to Antediluvia.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 9, 2015
“You have to reprove yourself in order to establish your credibility.”
From New York Times ● Jan. 14, 2015
All scripture divinely inspired, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice.
From Light and Peace Instructions for devout souls to dispel their doubts and allay their fears by Quadrupani, Carlo Giuseppe
“I could do without becoming known as the man who has a hugger for a son,” he reproves when Cal tries to embrace him.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026
Jack’s shoulders are slumped forward, his arms crossed, while John’s maternal aunt Annie reproves him with an extended finger.
From New York Times ● Jan. 16, 2018
And when he mildly reproves the younger son for some particularly brattish behavior, Sophia indignantly tells him: "Try to be a parent, not a policeman."
From Time Magazine Archive
Your reviewer reproves me for "sardonic excesses," saying I am "capable of snapping that a man with a dicebox might grant and deny paroles as fairly as most boards."
From Time Magazine Archive
When the teacher reproves a child, every man, woman, and child feels it his or her duty to yell out too at the offender and tell him to obey the teacher.
From Women of Achievement Written for the Fireside Schools by Brawley, Benjamin Griffith
Mr. Meadows was also reproved by the House Ethics Committee in 2018 for mishandling sexual harassment allegations against a top aide.
From New York Times ● Mar. 7, 2020
Both lawmakers were reproved by the Ethics Committee.”
From Fox News ● Nov. 16, 2018
“We must all take responsibility for using facts correctly and for verifying anything we spread,” Stefan Lofven, the Swedish prime minister, reproved Trump at a news conference.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 21, 2017
He was immediately reproved by scores of his readers, as well as by a commentary in The Economist, “The World Is His Parking Spot,” that applied basic social cost-benefit analysis.
From New York Times ● Jul. 4, 2011
“No, no, Medium dear, that’s Mars,” Mrs Whatsit reproved gently.
From "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle
Hudson: No matter how much you prove yourself, you’re always still reproving yourself.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2025
When Donnersmarck reached for a Snickers, his mother shot him a reproving look.
From The New Yorker ● Jan. 14, 2019
Today, she looks thin but healthy, her eyes radiating a quizzical alertness that can be almost unsettling when she occasionally fixes you with a slightly reproving stare.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 29, 2018
The robot never reacts in a reproving or dismissive way when the child behaves inappropriately.
From Slate ● Mar. 27, 2018
“I still can’t hear you,” Aarfy called back innocently with an expression of mild and reproving perplexity.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
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.
