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upbraiding

upbraiding

1 8.5
A harsh telling off given for a serious mistake
  • noun
  • /ʌpˈbreɪdɪŋ/
translation icon : reproche
  • This interpretation is validated further on, towards the end of the dialogue, by the tenacious and resolute upbraiding of the Muger to her marido.
  • blunt upbraiding

Examples

  • Singling out individuals for upbraiding was not alien to Paul.

    Blog text (29)
  • When she arrived, she would give Mrs. Trenchard, the housekeeper, a firm but thorough upbraiding.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • And so to some degree, that's your higher self upbraiding you for failure to develop in the appropriate direction.

  • But Chagall and Rothko could not obtain even her angry upbraiding.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Botha also happened to be chancellor of the university, and the authorities could hardly condone the brazen upbraiding of its highest symbolic functionary.

    Academic text (2004)
  • After the meeting, the manager gave her a stern upbraiding for being late.

  • He received a harsh upbraiding from his teacher for not completing his homework.

  • The coach's upbraiding after the loss motivated the team to improve their performance.

Synonyms

bashing
vsupbraiding
  • NSFW
32 4.4

Harsh repeated criticism of a person or their ideas

is usually a single severe spoken chastisement rather than ongoing attack
rebuke
vsupbraiding
22 6.8

A strong comment that shows disapproval of someone's actions

is harsh too but emphasizes long sustained reproach
blowing up
vsupbraiding
  • Informal
8 6.7

An angry talk that tells someone they did something wrong

is severe as well but can be controlled and not explosive
scolding
vsupbraiding
7 3.3

A strong angry talk that tells someone they did something wrong

is equally severe but may be more formal or general
earful
vsupbraiding
  • Informal
5 6.5

A strong angry talk that tells someone they did wrong

is equally severe but may be public or formal as well
tongue-lashing
vsupbraiding
  • Informal
5 7.6

A strong angry talk that scolds someone for a mistake

is severe as well but may lack public intensity
harsh criticism
vsupbraiding
4 4.2

Very strong negative comments that show disapproval

is severe too but implies a focused spoken reproach rather than unfairness
chastisement
vsupbraiding
  • Formal
3 7.2

A strong spoken scolding for a mistake

is harsher and often aims to punish rather than just correct
berating
vsupbraiding
1 6.3

A strong angry talk that tells someone they did something wrong

is similarly harsh but can be less personal in tone
castigation
vsupbraiding
  • Formal
1 9.0

Severe criticism or punishment using harsh words

is harsh too but focuses more on spoken reproach
chiding
vsupbraiding
1 7.2

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

is harsher and more severe than simple moral reproach
dressing-down
vsupbraiding
  • Informal
1 7.7

A strong angry talk that tells someone they did something wrong

is severe too but applies across all social levels
brickbat
vsupbraiding
  • Offensive
1 9.3

A sharp insulting remark about someone or their actions

is broader severe spoken criticism rather than a single insult
chewing out
vsupbraiding
  • Informal
1 7.0

A severe scolding for doing something wrong

is harsh too but can include nonverbal punishment
going-over
vsupbraiding
  • UK
1 7.4

A strong scolding you get for doing something wrong

is severe as well but not always so detailed
wigging
vsupbraiding
  • UK
1 9.5

A strong scolding from someone in charge

is more formal and severe than this informal everyday telling off
what for
vsupbraiding
  • Informal
1 8.8

A strong scolding you get when someone is angry with you

is similarly strong but can be framed in more formal language
keelhauling
vsupbraiding
9.9

A severe scolding given to someone for a serious mistake

is severe criticism mainly delivered in words rather than punishment
objurgation
vsupbraiding
  • Formal
9.9

A strong angry criticism that someone gives to another person

is equally critical but more common in everyday speech
bawling out
vsupbraiding
  • Informal
7.6

A loud, angry talk that tells someone they made a mistake

is severe too but not defined mainly by loudness

Antonyms

161 1.0

Words or actions that show admiration for someone

54 1.9

A feeling of support that makes you more confident and hopeful

How Harsh

upbraiding
1 8.5
rebuke
22 6.8
scolding
7 3.3
reprimand
  • Formal
24 6.1
criticism
512 3.0

Surface Forms

upbraiding singular
upbraidings plural

Etymology

The word upbraiding comes from old English parts up- and braid, where the braid part once meant 'to pull' or 'to shake'. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine someone being 'pulled up' for a mistake, which is why upbraiding means a strong, severe scolding.