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,” ( 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

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

“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

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