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reprimand

reprimand

24 6.1
A formal complaint from someone in charge about bad behaviour
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛprɪˌmænd/
  • Formal
: amonestación
  • Unfortunately, when verbal reprimands are given, they often attack the student rather than the behavior.
  • a verbal reprimand
  • reprimand sessions
  • teacher reprimands

I tried every technique I knew, Behaviour, contracts, praise, reprimands.

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Examples

  • I was deeply abashed by this insightful reprimand and said, "Honored Lady, how can I then repay the college?"

    Fiction book (2002)
  • I'm just trying to avoid an unnecessary reprimand.

  • "Please remain where you are for your reprimand"

  • Otherwise, I'm gonna have to give you a serious reprimand.

  • If the behavior does not stop, a verbal reprimand may be necessary.

    Academic text (1990)
  • There will be a stern reprimand for you, lad.

  • "No reason at all, sir," I say, and wait for my reprimand, transfer, or court-martial.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • They're gonna let me off with a reprimand.

  • Who are you serving by arguing so against your father?" Her mother's reprimand, though spoken gently, had struck hard.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • The teacher's reprimand made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated.

Synonyms

condemnation
vsreprimand
57 5.5

A strong statement saying someone or something is wrong

is a formal authoritative expression rather than a private judgement
rebuke
vsreprimand
22 6.8

A strong comment that shows disapproval of someone's actions

is a formal authority-based expression rather than intensely personal sharpness
scolding
vsreprimand
6 3.3

A strong angry talk that tells someone they did something wrong

is a formal expression by someone in authority rather than an angry personal attack
stern warning
vsreprimand
5 3.4

A firm, serious statement that tells someone to stop wrong or dangerous behavior

is a formal authority-led disapproval rather than primarily a cautionary warning
what for
vsreprimand
  • Informal
4 8.8

A strong scolding you get when someone is angry with you

is a formal, authority-based expression rather than a casual spoken telling-off
admonishment
vsreprimand
4 7.0

A firm warning that tells someone to change their behavior

is an official expression by authority focusing on disapproval rather than just warning
chastisement
vsreprimand
  • Formal
3 7.2

A strong spoken scolding for a mistake

is an organized formal expression by someone in charge rather than mainly punishment
reproof
vsreprimand
2 7.1

A mild criticism that aims to correct someone

is a formal disapproval usually from authority rather than a gentle correction
berating
vsreprimand
1 6.3

A strong angry talk that tells someone they did something wrong

is an official disapproval coming from authority rather than a loud angry attack
dressing-down
vsreprimand
  • Informal
1 7.7

A strong angry talk that tells someone they did something wrong

is a formal disapproval usually issued by an authority rather than delivered to leaders
chiding
vsreprimand
1 7.2

A talk that tells someone they did something wrong, often angrily

is a formal, authoritative expression rather than a personal harsh remark
reprobation
vsreprimand
1 9.5

A strong moral disapproval from other people

is an authority-led formal expression rather than only a moral judgement
reproval
vsreprimand
  • Archaic
1 7.5

A spoken or written sign of disapproval of someone's actions

is usually an official, authority-led expression rather than a general remark
dispraise
vsreprimand
  • Archaic
1 9.9

Speaking badly about a person or thing to show you do not approve

is typically an official expression delivered by an authority, not general contempt
upbraiding
vsreprimand
1 8.5

A harsh telling off given for a serious mistake

is a formal, authority-led expression rather than emotionally driven criticism
reprehension
vsreprimand
  • Formal
1 9.8

Strong criticism of someone's actions

is an official expression made by an authority instead of general forceful criticism

Antonyms

220 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

commendation
  • Formal
37 6.8

An official award or letter praising someone for good work

How Severe

condemnation
  • Formal
1 7.4
censure
  • Formal
47 7.4
rebuke
22 6.8
reprimand
  • Formal
24 6.1
warning
138 1.0

Surface Forms

reprimand singular
reprimands plural

Etymology

Reprimand comes from an old Latin verb made from re- 'back' and premere 'to press', like the English word press. So a reprimand is like a 'pressing back' on someone's behavior, a formal, strong expression of disapproval.