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¹reproach

noun re·proach \ri-ˈprōch\

Definition of REPROACH

: an expression of rebuke or disapproval

: the act or action of reproaching or disapproving <was beyond reproach>

a : a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace

b : discredit, disgrace

obsolete : one subjected to censure or scorn

— re·proach·ful \-fəl\ adjective

— re·proach·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— re·proach·ful·ness noun

See reproach defined for English-language learners

See reproach defined for kids

Examples of REPROACH

A bug in the logic of a design, though discovered and fixed in the lab, stands as a slight reproach to the designer. —Tracy Kidder, The Soul of a New Machine, 1981
Yes, he told them, when he came, it was quite true that they would have to pay interest. And then Teta Elzbieta broke forth into protestations and reproaches, so that the people outside stopped and peered in at the window. —Upton Sinclair, The Jungle, 1906
“He's the finest boy in England,” the father said in a tone of reproach to her, “and you don't seem to care for him, Becky, as much as you do for your spaniel. …” —William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair, 1847
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Origin of REPROACH

Middle English reproche, from Anglo-French, from reprocher to reproach, from Vulgar Latin *repropiare to bring close, show, from Latin re- + prope near — more at approach

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REPROACH

Synonyms: dishonor, opprobrium, reflection, disgrace, scandal

Antonyms: credit, honor

Rhymes with REPROACH

abroach, approach, caroche, cockroach, encroach, stagecoach

²reproach

verb re·proach \ri-ˈprōch\

: to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone) : to express disapproval or disappointment to (someone)

Full Definition of REPROACH

transitive verb

: to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment

: to make (something) a matter of reproach (see ¹reproach)

: to bring into discredit

— re·proach·able \-ˈprō-chə-bəl\ adjective

— re·proach·er noun

— re·proach·ing·ly \-ˈprō-chiŋ-lē\ adverb

See reproach defined for English-language learners

Examples of REPROACH

Parents and teachers gaped at the young writers, uncertain whether to reproach or praise these young adults for their language in writing about decidedly adult issues. —Tobi Jacobi, English Journal, March 2007
For years I fretted over these questions and reproached myself for not having taken that diary when it was offered to me in 1945. —John Hope Franklin, Race and History, 1989
She did not reproach herself with her failure; but she would have been happier if there had been less discrepancy between her words to Sophy Viner and the act which had followed them. —Edith Wharton, The Reef, 1912
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Origin of REPROACH

(see ¹reproach)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to REPROACH

Synonyms: baste, bawl out, berate, call down, castigate, chastise, chew out, dress down, flay, hammer, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lecture, rag, rail (at or against), rant (at), rate, ream (out), rebuke, reprimand, scold, score, tongue-lash, upbraid

Antonyms: cite, commend, endorse (also indorse)

Synonym Discussion of REPROACH

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely. reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault <gently reproved my table manners>. rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof <the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics>. reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke <reprimanded by the ethics committee>. admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel <admonished by my parents to control expenses>. reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding <reproached him for tardiness> <chided by their mother for untidiness>.

REPROACHINGLY Defined for Kids