chide

verb

ˈchīd 

chid ˈchid  or chided ˈchī-dəd  ; chid or chidden ˈchi-dᵊn  or chided; chiding ˈchī-diŋ 

intransitive verb

: to speak out in angry or displeased rebuke

is quick to chide against the mayor for his negligence

transitive verb

: to voice disapproval to : reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner : scold

She chided us for arriving late.

Synonyms

• admonish
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• reprove
• tick off

Choose the Right Synonym for chide

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

Examples of chide in a Sentence

She chided us for arriving late.

“You really should have been here on time,” she chided.

Recent Examples on the Web

But as the videos gained traction, liberal TikTokers began responding, chiding people who didn’t understand the political context behind the song, which was released in 2006 as a direct response to the backlash The Chicks received for not supporting the Iraq War. —Chantelle Lee, TIME, 10 Aug. 2024

Wednesday in Wisconsin, Vance also delivered Republicans' opening jabs in questioning the military record of Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — and chiding Harris for not taking reporters' questions in interviews or news conferences. —Sophia Cai, Axios, 8 Aug. 2024

Trump briefly chided Harris for the proposal, before then quickly moving to her position on fracking. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2024

The Bronx native chided Scott for not obliging the fans’ request, pointing to Scott’s modest beginnings while weighing in on his seeming mishandling of the encounter. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cīdan to quarrel, chide, from cīd strife

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

chide

verb

ˈchīd 

chid ˈchid  or chided ˈchīd-əd  ; chid or chidden ˈchid-ᵊn  or chided; chiding ˈchīd-iŋ 

: to express mild disapproval of