Definition of reproach
1 : an expression of rebuke or disapproval
2 : the act or action of reproaching or disapproving was beyond reproach
3a : a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgraceb : discredit, disgrace
4 obsolete : one subjected to censure or scorn
reproachfulness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of reproach in a Sentence
A bug in the logic of a design, though discovered and fixed in the lab, stands as a slight reproach to the designer. —Tracy Kidder, The Soul of a New Machine, 1981
Yes, he told them, when he came, it was quite true that they would have to pay interest. And then Teta Elzbieta broke forth into protestations and reproaches, so that the people outside stopped and peered in at the window. —Upton Sinclair, The Jungle, 1906
“He's the finest boy in England,” the father said in a tone of reproach to her, “and you don't seem to care for him, Becky, as much as you do for your spaniel. … ” —William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1847
She looked at him with reproach.
Accusations and reproaches from both parties made it difficult to pursue discussions.
His conduct has brought shame and reproach to his family.
Origin and Etymology of reproach
Middle English reproche, from Anglo-French, from reprocher to reproach, from Vulgar Latin *repropiare to bring close, show, from Latin re- + prope near — more at approach
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
3 : to bring into discredit
reproacher
nounExamples of reproach in a Sentence
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
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
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
our neighbor loudly reproached us for tromping through his yard
she cleared her throat as a way of reproaching us for having our elbows on the table
Origin and Etymology of reproach
see 1reproach
Synonym Discussion of reproach
REPROACH Defined for English Language Learners
reproach
playDefinition of reproach for English Language Learners
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: to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone) : to express disapproval or disappointment to (someone)
REPROACH Defined for Kids
Definition of reproach for Students
1 : something that deserves blame or disgrace
2 : an expression of disapproval
reproachful
\-fəl\ adjectivereproachfully
\-fə-lē\ adverbLearn More about reproach
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See words that rhyme with reproach Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for reproach Spanish Central: Translation of reproach Nglish: Translation of reproach for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of reproach for Arabic speakers
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