verb

reprove

rih-PROOV/rɪˈpruːv/

To criticize someone for doing something wrong.

The coach reproves the player for leaving a bottle on the ground.

Asian female coach sternly but calmly reprimands white adult player for littering, points toward discarded bottle and bin.

Etymology

Here re- reverses the idea of proving worthy, producing disapproval or condemnation. That judgment becomes an act of speech: finding fault with someone and delivering a rebuke.

In context

Luke Ford Livestreams52:04

so the book of proverbs says never re never reprove a fool that he will hate you but when you reprove the wise man he will love you for it

The Politics Of Expertise II (5-27-22)

More examples

She gently reproves her son for interrupting.
The manager reproved us for ignoring the safety rules.
He gives me a reproving look when I laugh at her mistake.

Forms

reprove · reproves · reproved · reproving

reproof noun — An expression of disapproval for wrongdoing.

Similar words

rebuke: Usually expresses sharper, more forceful disapproval than reprove.
scold: Suggests angry or repeated criticism, often directed at children.
reprimand: Usually involves formal criticism from someone in authority.