reprove

American  

[ri-proov] / rɪˈpruv /

verb (used with object)

• reproves,
  present (3rd person singular)
• reproved,
  past participle,  past
• reproving
  present participle

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)

• reproves,
  present (3rd person singular)
• reproved,
  past participle,  past
• reproving
  present participle

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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Synonym Usage

See reproach.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Inflected Forms

Participles

• reproving
  present
• reproved
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• reprove
  simple
• reproves
  simple
• have reproved
  perfect
• has reproved
  perfect
• am reproving
  progressive
• are reproving
  progressive
• is reproving
  progressive
• have been reproving
  perfect progressive
• has been reproving
  perfect progressive

Past

• reproved
  simple
• had reproved
  perfect
• was reproving
  progressive
• were reproving
  progressive
• had been reproving
  perfect progressive

Future

• will reprove
  simple
• will have reproved
  perfect
• will be reproving
  progressive
• will have been reproving
  perfect progressive

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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

reprove reproves reproved reproving

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

“You have to reprove yourself in order to establish your credibility.”

From New York Times ● Jan. 14, 2015

Everyone on Capitol Hill is focused on squeezing months worth of work into several days, so the panel’s decision to clear two members and reprove two others was like an end-of-the-year document dump.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 11, 2014

Our silly folks, who had not time to provide bread, thought their master meant to reprove them for their negligence.

From Ecce Homo! A Critical Inquiry into the History of Jesus of Nazareth: Being a Rational Analysis of the Gospels by Paul Henry Thiry Baron d' Holbach

“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

It reproves any candidate who isn't making his weight.

From Time Magazine Archive

He reproves without intermission, convinces of sins, and sets them before thine eyes.

From True Christianity by Johann Arndt

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

“I’m surprised at you for spreading rumors, William,” she reproved him.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare

“There’s a dad that’s not doing it,” she repeated — less incredulous than reproving now.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 11, 2025

People also lose coverage, however, because constantly proving and reproving eligibility is onerous — especially if you’re poor, not particularly adept at navigating red tape or don’t have stable housing.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 3, 2022

He’s become less circumspect about reproving the manners of high-born courtiers around him—and despite their pride in their own chivalry, they are indeed a boorish lot.

From Slate ● Mar. 12, 2020

When Donnersmarck reached for a Snickers, his mother shot him a reproving look.

From The New Yorker ● Jan. 14, 2019

Cass jumped excitedly at the prospect, but Penelope threw her a reproving look.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood