rebuke

[ ri-byook ]

verb (used with object)

, re·buked, re·buk·ing.

1. to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.

   Synonyms: admonish, chide, upbraid, censure

noun

1. sharp, stern disapproval; reproof; reprimand.

   Synonyms: remonstration, censure, reproach

rebuke

/ rɪˈbjuːk /

verb

1. tr to scold or reprimand (someone)

noun

1. a reprimand or scolding

Derived Forms

• reˈbukable, adjective
• reˈbuker, noun

Other Words From

• re·buka·ble adjective
• re·buker noun
• re·buking·ly adverb
• unre·buka·ble adjective
• unre·buked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebuke¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English rebuken (verb), from Anglo-French rebuker ( Old French rebuchier ) “to beat back,” equivalent to re- re- + bucher “to beat, strike,” from Germanic

Word History and Origins

Origin of rebuke¹

C14: from Old Norman French rebuker , from re- + Old French buchier to hack down, from busche log, of Germanic origin

Synonym Study

See reproach.

Example Sentences

Now she wants a more authoritative rebuke of his presidency.

From Ozy

The company has also drawn rebukes from governance experts who point out that Thiel will have power with little accountability because of multi-class stock that grants him outsize power in perpetuity.

From Fortune

In several cases, GOP lawyers cited minor episodes of alleged fraud that occurred in other states in past years, prompting rebukes from judges.

From Washington Post

The presidential rebuke was prompted by Portuguese investigations into financial dealings of the Angolan elite, including members of dos Santos’ family.

From Ozy

Whether this was a rebuke to the current FDA or a power grab by Azar, the assertion of politics over science cannot be ignored.

From Fortune

But three months later Wright himself received a stinging rebuke.

From The Daily Beast

This cover, I submit, is as sharp a rebuke to the “progress is over!”

From The Daily Beast

However, its options are weak: The court can issue a public rebuke or ask Fuller to resign, but little else.

From The Daily Beast

Writing for the majority, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito handed unions a sharp rebuke in Harris v. Quinn.

From The Daily Beast

To hear Thomas similarly rebuke Girls would feel like a personal criticism on my own shortcomings.

From The Daily Beast

The church has lately been much enlarged, and the long-standing rebuke no more exists.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever it was, the rebuke was convincing, for the woman dropped her hoe and went mumbling into the house.

From Project Gutenberg

Thy own wickedness shall reprove thee, and thy apostasy shall rebuke thee.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing will rebuke incivility in another so surely as perfect courtesy in your own manner.

From Project Gutenberg

Edward displayed great energy of rebuke and counsel, while Robert steadily advanced southwards.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• admonish
• berate
• castigate
• censure
• chide
• go after
• oppose
• reprimand
• reproach
• scold
• upbraid