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

“I always feel like you have to reprove yourself,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2024

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

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

Nor did Dame Eliza reprove her carol, but half smiled as Oceanus crowed and beat a pan wildly with his Christmas horse.

From A Pilgrim Maid A Story of Plymouth Colony in 1620 by Taggart, Marion Ames