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rebuke

play
verb re·buke \ri-ˈbyük\

Definition of rebuke

rebuked

;

rebuking
  1. transitive verb

  2. 1a :  to criticize sharply :  reprimandb :  to serve as a rebuke to

  3. 2 :  to turn back or keep down :  check

rebuker

noun

See rebuke defined for English-language learners

See rebuke defined for kids

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Examples of rebuke in a Sentence

  1. the father was forced to rebuke his son for the spendthrift ways he had adopted since arriving at college

  2. strongly rebuked the girl for playing with matches

Origin and Etymology of rebuke

Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand

rebuke Synonyms

Synonyms
admonish, chide, reprimand, reproach, reprove, tick off, burn one's ears, get after, get on
Antonyms
cite, commend, endorse (also indorse)
Related Words
berate, castigate, chew out, dress down, flay, harangue, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lecture, rail (at or against), rate, scold, score, upbraid; abuse, assail, attack, bad-mouth, blame, blast, censure, condemn, criticize, crucify, denounce, dis (also diss) [slang], excoriate, fault, knock, lash, pan, reprehend, slam; belittle, deprecate, disparage, minimize, mock, put down; deride, ridicule, scoff, scorn
Near Antonyms
approve, endorse (also indorse), OK (or okay), sanction; applaud, extol (also extoll), hail, laud, praise, salute, tout

Synonym Discussion of rebuke

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
2

rebuke

noun re·buke

Definition of rebuke

  1. :  an expression of strong disapproval :  reprimand

Examples of rebuke in a Sentence

  1. delivered a stinging rebuke to the Congress, calling for an end to backstabbing and arguing

First Known Use of rebuke

15th century

rebuke Synonyms

Synonyms
commination, condemnation, denunciation, excoriation, objurgation, censure, reprimand, reproach, reproof, riot act, stricture
Antonyms
citation, commendation, endorsement (also indorsement)
Related Words
admonishment, admonition, castigation, chastisement, damnation, punishment, remonstrance; business, devil, dressing-down, lash, lecture, lesson, rap, scolding, talking-to, tongue-lashing; belittlement, criticism, deprecation, depreciation, disparagement, pan
Near Antonyms
acclamation, honor, tribute; encomium, eulogy, panegyric, plaudit (s), praise; approval, blessing, sanction

REBUKE Defined for English Language Learners

rebuke

play
verb

Definition of rebuke for English Language Learners

  • : to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone)

REBUKE Defined for Kids

1

rebuke

play
verb re·buke \ri-ˈbyük\

Definition of rebuke for Students

rebuked

;

rebuking

  1. :  to criticize severely She was rebuked for being late.

2

rebuke

play
noun re·buke

Definition of rebuke for Students

  1. :  an expression of strong disapproval

Learn More about rebuke

  1. See words that rhyme with rebuke Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rebuke Spanish Central: Translation of rebuke Nglish: Translation of rebuke for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of rebuke for Arabic speakers

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Examples: rebuke in a Sentence
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