reproach

²re·proach

verb \ri-ˈprōch\

Definition of REPROACH

transitive verb

1

: to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment

2

: to make (something) a matter of reproach (see ¹reproach)

3

: to bring into discredit

— re·proach·able \-ˈprō-chə-bəl\ adjective

— re·proach·er noun

— re·proach·ing·ly \-ˈprō-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of REPROACH

1. <our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard>
2. <she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table>
3. Parents and teachers gaped at the young writers, uncertain whether to reproach or praise these young adults for their language in writing about decidedly adult issues. —Tobi Jacobi, English Journal, March 2007
4. For years I fretted over these questions and reproached myself for not having taken that diary when it was offered to me in 1945. —John Hope Franklin, Race and History, 1989
5. She did not reproach herself with her failure; but she would have been happier if there had been less discrepancy between her words to Sophy Viner and the act which had followed them. —Edith Wharton, The Reef, 1912

Origin of REPROACH

(see ¹reproach)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REPROACH

Synonyms: baste, bawl out, berate, call down, castigate, chastise, chew out, dress down, flay, hammer, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lecture, rag, rail (at or against), rant (at), rate, ream (out), rebuke, reprimand, scold, score, tongue-lash, upbraid

Antonyms: cite, commend, endorse (also indorse)

Related Words: admonish, chide, remonstrate (with), reprove; abuse, assail, attack, bad-mouth, blame, blast, censure, condemn, criticize, crucify, denounce, dis (also diss) [slang], excoriate, fault, harangue, knock, lace (into), lash, pan, reprehend, revile, scourge, slam, vituperate; belittle, disparage, mock, put down; ridicule, scoff, scorn

Near Antonyms: approve, endorse (also indorse), sanction; extol (also extoll), laud, praise

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See Synonym Discussion at reprove