reprimand

[ noun rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd; verb rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd ]

noun

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

   Synonyms: censure, reprehension, condemnation

verb (used with object)

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

   Synonyms: reprehend, condemn, censure

reprimand

/ ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd /

noun

1. a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

verb

1. tr to admonish or rebuke, esp formally; reprove

Other Words From

• repri·mander noun
• repri·manding·ly adverb
• over·repri·mand verb (used with object)
• un·repri·manded adjective
• un·repri·manding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reprimand¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from French réprimande, Middle French reprimend, from Latin reprimenda “that is to be pressed back,” feminine gerund of reprimere “to press back, restrain,” from re- re- + prim(ere) “to press” ( press ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of reprimand¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

When he shared his fears about this new and catastrophic virus, he was reprimanded, but “I didn’t get fired,” he says.

From Science Magazine

Senior officers reprimanded Anton by transferring him to a regular assault brigade in another part of the country.

From BBC

“It is not a neutral stance when one group is allowed to express their political views ... and the other side is silenced under threat of losing their job and/or being seriously reprimanded,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Maipi-Clarke was reprimanded and barred from the chamber for 24 hours, the New Zealand Herald reported.

From Salon

Baker did not reprimand Kaufman and the RNC's other attorneys on Tuesday when he ruled from the bench, but he did stop just short of accusing them of lying.

From Salon

Related Words

• admonish
• castigate
• censure
• chide
• criticize
• denounce
• rebuke
• reproach
• upbraid