Library / English Dictionary

REPROOF

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

An act or expression of criticism and censure

Example:

he had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face

Synonyms:

rebuke; reprehension; reprimand; reproof; reproval

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("reproof" is a kind of...):

criticism; unfavorable judgment (disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "reproof"):

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)

Derivation:

reproof (take to task)

 II. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Take to task

Example:

He admonished the child for his bad behavior

Synonyms:

admonish; reproof; reprove

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "reproof" is one way to...):

criticise; criticize; knock; pick apart (find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Sentence example:

Sam cannot reproof Sue

Derivation:

reproof (an act or expression of criticism and censure)

Credits

 Context examples: 

So far my thoughts had carried me, and I was about to break the long and uneasy silence, when two critical, dark eyes looked round at me, and the proud head was shaken in smiling reproof.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Spitz was the leader, likewise experienced, and while he could not always get at Buck, he growled sharp reproof now and again, or cunningly threw his weight in the traces to jerk Buck into the way he should go.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

For two days Mrs. Morland allowed it to pass even without a hint; but when a third night's rest had neither restored her cheerfulness, improved her in useful activity, nor given her a greater inclination for needlework, she could no longer refrain from the gentle reproof of, My dear Catherine, I am afraid you are growing quite a fine lady.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

He was recalled from wit to wisdom, not by any reproof of hers, but by his own sensibility.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

Some very grave reproof, or at least the coldest expression of indifference, must be coming to distress her brother, and sink her to the ground.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

It was because he understood the reproof of my action, rather than of my words, that he held up his palm for inspection.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

Your reproof, so well applied, I shall never forget: 'had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.'

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

The clergyman stayed to exchange a few sentences, either of admonition or reproof, with his haughty parishioner; this duty done, he too departed.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

He did it so quietly that Jo never knew he was watching to see if she would accept and profit by his reproof, but she stood the test, and he was satisfied, for though no words passed between them, he knew that she had given up writing.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

She had not time to know how Mr. Elton took the reproof, so rapidly did another subject succeed; for Mr. John Knightley now came into the room from examining the weather, and opened on them all with the information of the ground being covered with snow, and of its still snowing fast, with a strong drifting wind; concluding with these words to Mr. Woodhouse: This will prove a spirited beginning of your winter engagements, sir.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)