admonishment

American  

[ad-mon-ish-muhnt] / ædˈmɒn ɪʃ mənt /

noun

1. a variant of admonition.

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Etymology

Origin of admonishment

First recorded in 1250–1300; from Middle French amonestement, equivalent to admonish ( def. ) + -ment ( def. )

Explanation

When a coach pulls a player aside and sternly reminds him or her to stay focused during the game, that’s an admonishment — a firm but constructive rebuke. An admonishment is a strong warning or correction intended to improve behavior. The term comes from the Latin word admonere, meaning "to warn or advise." When a parent insists that a child finishes homework before playing video games, it's meant to encourage responsibility. Admonishments guide individuals away from mistakes and towards better actions, offering necessary feedback without being overly harsh.

Example Sentences

The warmer response was, perhaps, a reaction to public admonishment from former manager Jurgen Klopp, who was angered by Alexander-Arnold's vitriolic treatment from fans who previously idolised him.

From BBC • Nov. 3, 2025

The article and the judge’s quote were referenced by the judicial panel in the admonishment as improper.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2024

The judge’s admonishment of Peters was breathtaking as he rejected her lies and laid bare her craven motivations and manipulations.

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2024

DeWine's admonishment came after members of his party have spent the last week spreading baseless accusations against immigrants in the small city.

From Salon • Sep. 15, 2024

He was imperturbable on the witness stand and treated the prosecutors as though they were errant students who needed stern admonishment.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela