reprove

American  

[ri-proov] / rɪˈpruv /

verb (used with object)

reproved, reproving

1. to criticize or correct, especially gently.

   to reprove a pupil for making a mistake.

   Synonyms:

   admonish, reprehend, chide, upbraid, reprimand, scold

   Antonyms:

   praise

2. to disapprove of strongly; censure.

   to reprove a bad decision.

3. Obsolete. to disprove or refute.

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verb (used without object)

reproved, reproving

1. to speak in reproof; administer a reproof.

reprove British  

/ rɪˈpruːv /

verb

1. (tr) to speak disapprovingly to (a person); rebuke or scold

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Related Words

See reproach.

Other Word Forms

• reprovable adjective
• reprover noun
• reproving adjective
• reprovingly adverb

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,” ( prove )

Example Sentences

Alone, I reprove the thought as fantasy, a secret desire to sever myself from the man who has abandoned me twice.

From Salon • Dec. 5, 2021

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

He could reprove folly with a frown that a man must be all a fool if he did not feel.

From Memorials of the Independent Churches in Northamptonshire with biographical notices of their pastors, and some account of the puritan ministers who laboured in the county. by Coleman, Thomas