reprove

English

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman reprover, Middle French reprouver, from Latin reprobāre.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ɹɪˈpɹuːv/
• Rhymes: -uːv

Verb

reprove (third-person singular simple present reproves, present participle reproving, simple past and past participle reproved)

1. (intransitive) to express disapproval. [from 14th c.]
2. (transitive) to criticise, rebuke or reprimand (someone). [from 14th c.]
   • 1611, Bible, Authorized (King James) Version, Proverbs IX.8:

     Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

3. (transitive) to prevent, avoid, deny or suppress (a feeling, behaviour, action etc.). [from 14th c.]
   • 1982, Lawrence Durrell, Constance, Faber & Faber 2004 (Avignon Quintet), p. 856:

     She ached to be with Affad again – and to reprove the feeling she frowned and bit her lip.

Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:reprehend

Derived terms

• reproof
• reproval

Translations

to convey one's disapproval of (something)

• Finnish: valittaa (fi), moittia (fi)
• German: rügen (de), tadeln (de)
• Irish: spreag (ga)

• Romanian: mustra (ro), certa (ro)
• Scottish Gaelic: càin (gd), cronaich (gd), troid (gd)