— reprimander , n. — reprimandingly , adv.
n. /rep"reuh mand', -mahnd'/ ; v. /rep"reuh mand', -mahnd', rep'reuh mand", -mahnd"/ , n.
1. a severe reproof or rebuke, esp. a formal one by a person in authority.
v.t.
2. to reprove or rebuke severely, esp. in a formal way.
[ 1630-40; réprimande, MF reprimend reprimenda that is to be repressed (fem. ger. of reprimere ), equiv. to re- RE- + prim ( ere ) to PRESS 1 + -enda, fem. ger. suffix ]
Syn. 1. condemnation, reprehension. 1, 2 . censure. 2. condemn, reprehend. REPRIMAND, UPBRAID, ADMONISH, CENSURE all mean to reprove, reproach, or criticize (someone) adversely for behavior deemed reprehensible. REPRIMAND implies a formal rebuke, as by a superior, person in authority, or an official or official body: reprimanded by the judge and warned of a possible charge of contempt of court. UPBRAID suggests relatively severe criticism, but of a less formal sort: The minister upbraided the parishioners for their poor church attendance.
ADMONISH refers to a more gentle warning or expression of disapproval, often including suggestions for improvement: gently admonished the children to make less noise; admonished the players about promptness at practice sessions. CENSURE involves harsh, vehement criticism, often from an authoritative source: censured in the media for her off-the-cuff remarks; voted to censure their fellow senator.