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

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

Former Conservative MP Aaron Bell has been reprimanded by Parliament's standards watchdog for "brazen and drunken" sexual misconduct.

From BBC

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has reprimanded Chancellor Rachel Reeves for giving interviews to reporters in the US about her upcoming Budget.

From BBC

She was fined $3,000 and issued a letter of reprimand from the Indiana Medical Licensing Board.

From Salon

In 2019, the City Section reprimanded the Gauchos for fielding an ineligible player after investigating the program.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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