First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1reproach
noun re·proach \ri-ˈprōch\
Definition of REPROACH
1
: an expression of rebuke or disapproval
2
: the act or action of reproaching or disapproving <was beyond reproach>
4
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
ADVERTISEMENT
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
- [+]more
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
Related to REPROACH
- Synonyms
- dishonor, opprobrium, reflection, disgrace, scandal
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
1
: to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment
2
: to make (something) a matter of reproach (see 1reproach)
3
: 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
- [+]more
Origin of REPROACH
(see 1reproach)
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to REPROACH
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>.
REPROACHABLE Defined for Kids
1reproach
verb re·proach \ri-ˈprōch\
re·proachedre·proach·ing
Definition of REPROACH for Kids
: to find fault with : blame <I reproached him for such selfishness.>
2reproach
noun
Definition of REPROACH for Kids
1
: something that deserves blame or disgrace
2
: an expression of disapproval
— re·proach·ful \-fəl\ adjective
— re·proach·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
Learn More About REPROACH
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up reproach? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).