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

• reˈbuker, noun
• reˈbukable, adjective

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

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, still reeling from the electoral rebuke of her right-wing alliance in Sardinia's elections last spring, immediately announced her government’s intention to challenge the region’s jurisdiction in Italy's Constitutional Court.

From Salon

The unprecedented public rebuke resulted in NBC News management scrapping the deal.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms. Gabbard’s comments have earned her sharp rebukes from officials across the political spectrum in Washington, who have accused her of parroting the anti-American propaganda of the country’s adversaries.

From New York Times

The quote led to a rare public rebuke of a political candidate by a police chief and calls for Jurado to quit the race or apologize.

From Los Angeles Times

Three years later he was also rebuked by the International Paralympic Committee for saying the Pyeongchang Paralympics was "hard to watch".

From BBC

Related Words

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