scold

[ skohld ]

See synonyms for: scold scolded scolding scolder on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)

to find fault with angrily; chide; reprimand: The teacher scolded me for being late.

verb (used without object)

to find fault; reprove.
to use abusive language.

noun

a person who is constantly scolding, often with loud and abusive speech.
common scold.

Origin of scold

First recorded in 1150–1200; (noun) Middle English, variant of scald, from Old Norse skald “poet” (as author of insulting poems); see skald; (verb) Middle English scolden, derivative of the noun

synonym study For scold

1. See reproach.

Other words for scold

1	reprove; censure

See synonyms for scold on Thesaurus.com

Opposites for scold

praise

See antonyms for scold on Thesaurus.com

Other words from scold

scold·a·ble, adjective
scolder, noun
scold·ing·ly, adverb
outscold, verb (used with object)
un·scold·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use scold in a sentence

“You can laugh out there,” he scolded his tormenters, his Boston accent becoming more pronounced.
Bill Bratton Scolds Giggling Audience at American Justice Summit | Lloyd Grove | November 11, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Jimmy Carter scolded Americans for their “inordinate fear of communism.”
Communism's Victims Deserve a Museum | James Kirchick | August 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
“For seven days, Russia has refused to take a single concrete step in the right direction,” Kerry scolded.
Exclusive: Putin Halts All Talks With White House | Josh Rogin | April 25, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
I've been scolded for making gestures and looking too "deaf."
This Is What It Is Like To Be Deaf From Birth | Quora Contributor | December 23, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Another time, before he wrote his treatise on Atheism, he scolded me for believing in God.
My Friend and Mentor, Christopher Hitchens | Eli Lake | December 16, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST

He elbowed, criticised, scolded and toadied to Clement Chardin des Lupeaulx and other office-holders.
Repertory Of The Comedie Humaine, Complete, A -- Z | Anatole Cerfberr and Jules Franois Christophe
A serious voice arrested the willow switch: I didnt like to be scolded when I was a little girl, it used to make me cry.
Tessa Wadsworth's Discipline | Jennie M. Drinkwater
As Mata scolded, the girl nestled back among her quilts, smiling mischievously.
The Dragon Painter | Mary McNeil Fenollosa
His father scolded him somewhat impatiently, and sent him back to bed again, assuring him that he had been dreaming.
Urania | Camille Flammarion
When I scolded him, he undulated his silly yellow body, sprang upon his hind legs, and licked my hands.
The Idyl of Twin Fires | Walter Prichard Eaton

British Dictionary definitions for scold

scold

/ (skəʊld) /

verb

to find fault with or reprimand (a person) harshly; chide
(intr) to use harsh or abusive language

noun

a person, esp a woman, who constantly finds fault

Origin of scold

C13: from Old Norse skald

Derived forms of scold

scoldable, adjective
scolder, noun
scolding, noun
scoldingly, adverb

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

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