rebuke

/rɪˈbjuk/

/rɪˈbjuk/

Other forms: rebuked; rebukes; rebuking

If you receive a rebuke, it means that you have been reprimanded, or scolded. You're sure to get a rebuke if you forget to do your math homework four days in a row.

The word rebuke can be a verb, meaning to sternly reprimand or scold, but it can also be a noun, because a rebuke is the result of being scolded. The root comes from the Old French rebuchier and means "to hack down," or "beat back." A rebuke, then, is meant to be critical and to chide — in today's terms, a rebuke is verbal smack-down!

Definitions of rebuke

1. noun

   an act or expression of criticism and censure
   “he had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face”

   synonyms: reprehension, reprimand, reproof, reproval

   types:

   riot act

   a vigorous reprimand

   chiding, objurgation, scolding, tongue-lashing

   rebuking a person harshly

   what for

   a strong reprimand

   bawling out, castigation, chewing out, dressing down, earful, going-over, upbraiding

   a severe scolding

   berating, blowing up

   a severe rebuke

   reproach

   a mild rebuke or criticism

   lecture, speech, talking to

   a lengthy rebuke

   chastening, chastisement, correction

   a rebuke for making a mistake

   admonishment, admonition, monition

   a firm rebuke

   preaching, sermon

   a moralistic rebuke

   wig, wigging

   British slang for a scolding

   self-reproach, self-reproof

   the act of blaming yourself

   blame, rap

   a reproach for some lapse or misdeed

   curtain lecture

   a private lecture to a husband by his wife

   type of:

   criticism, unfavorable judgment

   disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
2. verb

   censure severely or angrily
   synonyms: bawl out, berate, call down, call on the carpet, chew out, chew up, chide, dress down, have words, jaw, lambast, lambaste, lecture, rag, remonstrate, reprimand, reproof, scathe, scold, take to task, trounce, vituperate

   types:

   castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, objurgate

   censure severely

   brush down, tell off

   reprimand

   flame

   criticize harshly, usually via an electronic medium

   type of:

   criticise, criticize, knock, pick apart

   find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws