I. -ˈbyük transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English rebuken, from Old North French rebuker, from re- + -buker (perhaps from Middle High German būsch cudgel) — more at boast
1.
a. : to criticize sharply : censure severely : reprimand
their children where they could be watched and rebuked if they became restless — J.H.Cutler
rebuked abuse of the uniform for commercial purposes — Dixon Wecter
b. : to serve as a rebuke to
his industry rebukes me
2. : to turn back or keep down : check , repulse
whose courtiers vowed he could rebuke the waves — Thomas Wood †1950
the mountaineering willow, sharply rebuked by drying winds, rises no higher than an inch — Andrew Young
Synonyms: see reprove
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from rebuken to rebuke
: an expression of strong disapproval : reprimand , reproof
clambering on the divan with muddy shoes brought sharp parental rebuke — Lucius Garvin
dreading a rebuke … by venturing to dance — Jane Austen