reproof1
/rɪˈpruːf
/noun
An expression of blame or disapproval: she welcomed him with a mild reproof for leaving her alone [mass noun]: a look of reproof...
- It could signify a promise or a threat or a reproof.
- A statue showing Medea about to slaughter her children symbolizes the reproof of infanticide. In this case, death is clearly shown as a contained force, even a holy force.
- By the faintly chagrined expression on his face, Darius could very safely assume that Asgard had received a similar reproof.
Synonyms
rebuke, reprimand, reproach, admonishment, admonition, reproval, remonstration;
disapproval, disapprobation, criticism, censure, blame, condemnation, fault-finding
informal telling-off, rap over the knuckles, slap on the wrist, dressing down, blast
British informal ticking off, wigging
Australian/New Zealand informal serve
British vulgar slang bollocking
dated rating
rare reprehension
Origin
Middle English: from Old French reprove, from reprover 'reprove'. Early senses included 'ignominy, personal shame' and 'scorn'.
reproof2
/riːˈpruːf/verb [with object]
1British Make (a garment) waterproof again.The responses of writers and scholars to his work have varied, journalists tending towards praise and even adulation, academic linguists towards caution and even reproof....
- Despite their spotty record, the military foundations and other army-connected companies are generally above reproof.
- Nonetheless, the military foundations and other army-connected companies are above reproof.
2Make a fresh proof of (printed matter).The main text needs to be reproofed, for example, ‘[a] nd when they made a motion, that called out loudly’ should be ‘they called out loudly.’