reprimand

[rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, 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 Word Forms

• reprimander noun
• reprimandingly adverb
• overreprimand verb (used with object)
• unreprimanded adjective
• unreprimanding 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

She thinks more staff are needed on public transport instead, to reprimand noisy passengers.

From BBC

Another witness, who was not a complainant in the case, told the court if members socialised with other people, word would travel "up the ranks" and they would be "reprimanded by the leaders".

From BBC

He is standing up to one of his superiors, who had reprimanded him for the language that he uses.

From Los Angeles Times

While the once-slumping Dodgers have raised their level of play the last two nights, the Padres have made mistakes even Little League coaches would be reprimanding.

From Los Angeles Times

In one hearing, the sisters, Hellen and Alexandra, were reprimanded by the magistrate for shouting out that a witness was lying and threatened with spending time in a cell, reports said.

From BBC

Related Words

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