noun / verb

reproach

rih-PROHCH/rɪˈprəʊtʃ/

An expression conveying blame or disappointed judgment.

There is a hint of reproach in her quiet voice.

A woman gives a man a pointed look of reproach over the muddy footprints he has tracked across a clean floor.

Etymology

reproachOld Frenchblame, shame, disgrace

Old French reproche already meant blame, shame, or disgrace. The English sense preserves its use for blame directed at someone; the word's deeper Latin ancestry is disputed.

In context

Ion Books354:36

Lizzie did not encounter very much reproach. She was not shunned, or so ill spoken of as to have a widely-spread bad name

The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope - Part 1/3 | Full Audiobook with Scrolling Text

More examples

She reproaches her brother for leaving the kitchen a mess.
His only reproach is that I never call.
Their reproaches do little to change his mind.

Forms

reproach · reproaches · reproached · reproaching

reproachful adjective — Expressing blame or disappointment toward someone.

Similar words

rebuke: Usually sharper and more direct than an expression of reproach.
criticism: Can evaluate faults without expressing personal blame or disappointment.