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Rebuke Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rebuke

[rɪˈbjuːk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a conversation

To rebuke someone means to express sharp disapproval or criticism towards them.

Synonyms

chastise, reprimand, reprove, scold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rebuke

Used to express strong disapproval or criticism, usually in a formal setting.

  • The manager's harsh rebuke left the employee feeling demoralized
  • She received a stern rebuke for her negligence
reprimand

Typically used in professional or formal contexts to denote a formal expression of disapproval.

  • The officer received a written reprimand for his misconduct
  • The teacher issued a reprimand to the disruptive students
scold

Implies an angry or critical reprimand, often in a personal or informal context.

  • She scolded her child for not doing his homework
  • He was scolded by his partner for forgetting their anniversary
chastise

Implies a form of punishment or reprimand, often reflecting anger or irritation.

  • His parents would often chastise him for staying out too late
  • The coach didn't hesitate to chastise the player for the mistake
reprove

Indicates gentle criticism or correction, usually with the intent of helping someone improve.

  • She gently reproved her friend for being late
  • The mentor would often reprove his students for minor mistakes

Examples of usage

  • He rebuked his colleague for being late to the meeting.
  • She rebuked her child for misbehaving in public.
Context #2 | Noun

formal or official setting

A rebuke is a sharp expression of disapproval or criticism.

Synonyms

chastisement, reprimand, reproach, scolding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rebuke

A formal and often public expression of disapproval, usually by someone in authority.

  • The manager rebuked the employee for being late
  • The teacher's rebuke made the student feel ashamed
reprimand

A formal and official expression of disapproval, typically used in professional or institutional settings.

  • The principal issued a reprimand to the students who broke the rules
  • The employee received a written reprimand for misconduct
scolding

An angry and often loud expression of disapproval, typically more informal and usually used with children.

  • She gave her dog a scolding for chewing the furniture
  • The child received a scolding for not doing his homework
chastisement

A formal, often harsh punishment or criticism, typically used in serious or severe situations.

  • The soldier faced chastisement for disobeying orders
  • The CEO's chastisement of the team was intense and strict
reproach

An expression of disappointment or disapproval, often indicating personal disappointment or emotional hurt.

  • Her mother's look of reproach made her feel guilty
  • He could not hide his reproach when his friend lied to him

Examples of usage

  • The teacher gave him a rebuke for not completing his homework.
  • She received a rebuke from her boss for her unprofessional behavior.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'rebuke'

The word 'rebuke' originated from Middle English, from Old French rebuchier, from re- (expressing intensive force) + buschier 'to strike, chop'. The sense evolved from 'chop' to 'beat back, repel', and eventually to its current meaning of expressing disapproval or criticism sharply.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,815, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.