REPROOF

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does reproof mean? 

• REPROOF (noun)
  The noun REPROOF has 1 sense:

1. an act or expression of criticism and censure

  Familiarity information: REPROOF used as a noun is very rare.

• REPROOF (verb)
  The verb REPROOF has 1 sense:

1. take to task

  Familiarity information: REPROOF used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• REPROOF (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An act or expression of criticism and censure

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

rebuke; reprehension; reprimand; reproof; reproval

Context example:

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

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)

• REPROOF (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they reproof    ... he / she / it reproofs   
Past simple: reproofed   
Past participle: reproofed   
-ing form: reproofing   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Take to task

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Synonyms:

admonish; reproof; reprove

Context example:

He admonished the child for his bad behavior

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)

 Context examples 

Were I even by any blessed chance at liberty again—Elinor stopped him with a reproof.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

You could not give me a greater reproof for the mistake I fell into.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

The reproof of an immediate conclusion of everything, the sweep of every preparation, would be sufficient.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Maud shook her head, and there was reproof in her eyes.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

My reproofs at Hunsford could not work such a change as this.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

It may be that my little comrade has been over quick in reproof, he having gone early into the cloisters and seen little of the rough ways and words of the world.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The patience and the humility of the face she loved so well was a better lesson to Jo than the wisest lecture, the sharpest reproof.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

They betray an unfortunate state of mind: they merit severe reproof: they would seem inexcusable, but that it is the duty of man to forgive his fellow even until seventy-and-seven times.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

For him to resent such reproof was equally unexpected to her, and she sprang upon him in snarling indignation.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

Her reproof startled him.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)