reprimand

UK: /ˈrɛprɪmænd/

US: /ˈrɛprəˌmænd; v. also ˌrɛprəˈmænd/

US: (n. rep′rə mand′, -mänd′; v. rep′rə mand′, -mänd′, rep′rə mand′, -mänd′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

rep•ri•mand /ˈrɛprəˌmænd; v. also ˌrɛprəˈmænd/   n. [countable]

1. a severe scolding or act of placing blame for wrongdoing, esp. a formal or official one.

v. [~ + object]

2. to scold or blame (someone) severely.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

rep•ri•mand  (n. rep′rə mand′, -mänd′;v. rep′rə mand′, -mänd′, rep′rə mand′, -mänd′), n. 

1. a severe reproof or rebuke, esp. a formal one by a person in authority.

v.t. 

2. to reprove or rebuke severely, esp. in a formal way.

• Latin reprimenda that is to be repressed (feminine gerund, gerundive of reprimere), equivalent. to re- re- + prim(ere) to press¹ + -enda, feminine gerund, gerundive suffix
• French réprimande, Middle French reprimend
• 1630–40

rep′ri•mand′er, n. 
rep′ri•mand′ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. condemnation, reprehension.
• 1, 2. censure.
• 2. condemn, reprehend.
  Reprimand, upbraid, admonish, censure all mean to reprove, reproach, or criticize (someone) adversely for behavior deemed reprehensible.
  Reprimand implies a formal rebuke, as by a superior, person in authority, or an official or official body:
  reprimanded by the judge and warned of a possible charge of contempt of court.
  Upbraid suggests relatively severe criticism, but of a less formal sort:
  The minister upbraided the parishioners for their poor church attendance.
  Admonish refers to a more gentle warning or expression of disapproval, often including suggestions for improvement:
  gently admonished the children to make less noise; admonished the players about promptness at practice sessions.
  Censure involves harsh, vehement criticism, often from an authoritative source:
  censured in the media for her off-the-cuff remarks; voted to censure their fellow senator.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

reprimand / ˈrɛprɪˌmɑːnd/ noun

1. a reproof or formal admonition; rebuke

verb

1. (transitive) to admonish or rebuke, esp formally; reprove

Etymology: 17th Century: from French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda (things) to be repressed; see repress