Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

reproof

[ri-proof]
See more synonyms for reproof on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the act of reproving, censuring, or rebuking.
  2. an expression of censure or rebuke.
Show More

Origin of reproof

1300–50; Middle English reprof < Old French reprove, derivative of reprover to reprove
Related formsre·proof·less, adjectiveself-re·proof, noun

Synonyms

See more synonyms for reproof on Thesaurus.com
1. rebuke, reproach, remonstrance, chiding.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for reproof

Historical Examples

  • She knew that in secret Mamma was glad; but she answered the reproof.

    Life and Death of Harriett Frean

    May Sinclair

  • But Adriana will not accept the reproof: she will have her husband at all costs.

  • The physician said a little in the way of reproof and admonition, and left me.

    Ned Myers

    James Fenimore Cooper

  • And now the little school is ever present with us, ours still for counsel or reproof.

    Meadow Grass

    Alice Brown

  • But the stillness upon her face bore to me the shadow of a reproof.

    Wilfrid Cumbermede

    George MacDonald

British Dictionary definitions for reproof

reproof

reproval (rɪˈpruːvəl)

noun
  1. an act or expression of rebuke or censure
Show More

Word Origin

C14 reproffe, from Old French reprove, from Late Latin reprobāre to disapprove of; see reprobate
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

Word Origin and History for reproof

n.

mid-14c., "a shame, a disgrace," also "a censure, a rebuke," from Old French reprove "reproach, rejection," verbal noun from reprover "to blame, accuse" (see reprove).

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper