reprimand

[ noun rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd; verb rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd ]
/ noun ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd; verb ˈrɛp rəˌmænd, -ˌmɑnd, ˌrɛp rəˈmænd, -ˈmɑnd /

noun

a severe reproof or rebuke, especially a formal one by a person in authority.

verb (used with object)

to reprove or rebuke severely, especially in a formal way.

Origin of reprimand

1630–40; < French réprimande, Middle French reprimend < Latin reprimenda that is to be repressed (feminine gerund of reprimere), equivalent to re- re- + prim(ere) to press1 + -enda, feminine gerund suffix

synonym study for reprimand

2. Reprimand, upbraid, admonish, censure all mean to reprove, reproach, or criticize (someone) adversely for behavior deemed reprehensible. Reprimand implies a formal rebuke, as by a superior, person in authority, or an official or official body: reprimanded by the judge and warned of a possible charge of contempt of court. Upbraid suggests relatively severe criticism, but of a less formal sort: The minister upbraided the parishioners for their poor church attendance. Admonish refers to a more gentle warning or expression of disapproval, often including suggestions for improvement: gently admonished the children to make less noise; admonished the players about promptness at practice sessions. Censure involves harsh, vehement criticism, often from an authoritative source: censured in the media for her off-the-cuff remarks; voted to censure their fellow senator.

OTHER WORDS FROM reprimand

Example sentences from the Web for reprimand

British Dictionary definitions for reprimand

reprimand
/ (ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd) /

noun

a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

verb

(tr) to admonish or rebuke, esp formally; reprove

Word Origin for reprimand

C17: from French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda (things) to be repressed; see repress