reprimand

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈrɛprəˌmænd/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A severe, formal, or official reproof; a sharp or stern rebuke, especially one given by a person in authority.; A formal expression of disapproval issued by a legislative body or professional organization as a disciplinary measure, less severe than censure or expulsion.
  2. verb
    To reprove sharply or censure formally, especially from a position of authority; to scold or rebuke severely.; To issue a formal disciplinary rebuke to someone, as by a court, legislative body, or professional tribunal.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: reprimands 3rd sing.: reprimands Past: reprimanded Past part.: reprimanded Pres part.: reprimanding

Collocations

receive a reprimandissue a reprimandformal reprimandofficial reprimandsevere reprimandreprimand someone for

Derivatives

reprimandingreprimanded

Synonyms

rebukereproachadmonishcensurescoldchastiseberate

Antonyms

praisecommendapplaud

Commonly confused

reproach
EN: 'Reproach' implies personal disappointment or disapproval, while 'reprimand' suggests a formal or authoritative correction.
rebuke
EN: 'Rebuke' is a sharp, often public expression of disapproval; 'reprimand' is typically more formal and procedural.
admonish
EN: 'Admonish' carries a tone of gentle warning or advice, whereas 'reprimand' is a stronger, more formal expression of disapproval.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember that 'reprimand' ends in '-mand' (not '-mend' or '-ment'). The noun and verb share the same spelling.

💬 Examples

  1. The soldier received a formal reprimand from his commanding officer for insubordination.

  2. The ethics committee issued a reprimand to the lawyer for violating professional conduct rules.

  3. The teacher reprimanded the students for talking during the examination.

  4. The judge reprimanded the attorney for his repeated outbursts in the courtroom.