rebuke
To express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone's behavior
Examples
In a meeting
“The manager rebuked the team for missing the deadline without communication.”
Over coffee
“My friend rebuked me for forgetting her birthday again.”
Why this word
criticize
rebuke means sharply expressing disapproval or reprimanding someone, while criticize is broader and includes constructive evaluation
scold
rebuke is more formal and severe, often from someone in authority, while scold is informal and typically about minor faults
reprimand
rebuke emphasizes sharp, stern disapproval, while reprimand is more formal and often official censure in professional contexts
Usage tip
Use for direct, serious criticism that's stronger than 'criticize' but less formal than 'reprimand'. Implies authority or moral standing.
Etymology
Old French 'rebuker' (re- 'back' + buker 'to beat')
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