admonishment

/ædˈmɑnɪʃmɛnt/

Other forms: admonishments

When a coach pulls a player aside and sternly reminds him or her to stay focused during the game, that’s an admonishment — a firm but constructive rebuke.

An admonishment is a strong warning or correction intended to improve behavior. The term comes from the Latin word admonere, meaning "to warn or advise." When a parent insists that a child finishes homework before playing video games, it's meant to encourage responsibility. Admonishments guide individuals away from mistakes and towards better actions, offering necessary feedback without being overly harsh.

Definitions of admonishment

1. noun

   a firm rebuke
   synonyms: admonition, monition

   type of:

   rebuke, reprehension, reprimand, reproof, reproval

   an act or expression of criticism and censure