reprehend

American  

[rep-ri-hend] / ˌrɛp rɪˈhɛnd /

verb (used with object)

1. to reprove or find fault with; rebuke; censure; blame.

   Synonyms:

   admonish, chide, upbraid, reproach

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reprehend British  

/ ˌrɛprɪˈhɛnd /

verb

1. (tr) to find fault with; criticize

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Other Word Forms

• reprehendable adjective
• reprehender noun
• unreprehended adjective

Etymology

Origin of reprehend

1300–50; Middle English reprehenden < Latin reprehendere to hold back, restrain, equivalent to re- re- + prehendere to seize; see prehension

Example Sentences

I reprehend you for having forgotten, that, in proportion as you had rendered yourself formidable to our enemies, you should have been guarded and temperate in your deportment towards your fellow-citizens.

From The Student's Life of Washington; Condensed from the Larger Work of Washington Irving For Young Persons and for the Use of Schools by Irving, Washington

Sure, if I reprehend any thing in this world, it is the use of my oracular tongue, and a nice derangement of epitaphs!

From The Rivals A Comedy by Sheridan, Richard Brinsley

When a man of seventy married a girl of twenty-five Calvin said it was the pastor's duty to reprehend them.

From The Age of the Reformation by Smith, Preserved

They kindly, but strongly, reprehend the first error, and guard them by the most prudent admonitions against a repetition of their fault.

From A Description of Millenium Hall And the Country Adjacent Together with the Characters of the Inhabitants and Such Historical Anecdotes and Reflections As May Excite in the Reader Proper Sentiments of Humanity, and Lead the Mind to the Love of Virtue by Scott, Sarah

I am beginning to fear," said Rustem, "that Topaz may have been right to reprehend me for this journey, and I very wrong to undertake it.

From Tales of Wonder Every Child Should Know by Wiggin, Kate Douglas Smith