scold

[ skohld ]

verb (used with object)

1. to find fault with angrily; chide; reprimand:

   The teacher scolded me for being late.

   Synonyms: censure, reprove

   Antonyms: praise

verb (used without object)

1. to find fault; reprove.
2. to use abusive language.

noun

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

scold

/ skəʊld /

verb

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

noun

1. a person, esp a woman, who constantly finds fault

Derived Forms

• ˈscoldingly, adverb
• ˈscolder, noun
• ˈscolding, noun
• ˈscoldable, adjective

Other Words From

• scolda·ble adjective
• scolder noun
• scolding·ly adverb
• outscold verb (used with object)
• un·scolded adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scold¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scold¹

C13: from Old Norse skald

Synonym Study

See reproach.

Example Sentences

Earlier this year, Jay-Z appeared to scold Grammy voters for Beyonce's lack of recognition in the top category as he accepted a lifetime achievement prize.

From BBC

Lou Campbell, a relationship counsellor, explains that the telling-off "is entirely made for TV" as qualified therapists "challenge behaviours" but don't scold their clients.

From BBC

Everyone has faced the challenge of navigating a conversation with a humorless scold.

From Salon

But not all the protesters are foreign agents, and in any case, it’s offensive for the leader of a country that depends so deeply on our aid to come here and scold our citizens, no matter how misguided he might find them.

From Slate

When I’d respond that wrinkles were the worries of the rich, she’d scold me and say one didn’t need money to present oneself with class.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admonish
• berate
• blame
• castigate
• censure
• chide
• criticize
• denounce
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• taunt
• upbraid
• vilify