Reprimand: meaning, definitions and examples

Used formally to express strong disapproval of someone's actions, typically in a professional or official setting.

• The employee received a reprimand for being late.
• The committee decided to reprimand the member for his inappropriate behavior.

Mostly formal, similar to reprimand but often used in a stern tone to correct someone's behavior.

• The manager rebuked the staff for missing the deadline.
• The senator rebuked his colleague for the inappropriate remarks.

Typically informal and more personal, used when someone speaks angrily to another person, usually someone younger or subordinate.

• She scolded the child for running into the street.
• The teacher scolded the students for being noisy during the class.

Can be formal or informal; it means to criticize someone harshly for wrongdoing, often indicating a more severe form of reprimand.

• The coach chastised the players for not following the game plan.
• Parents should not chastise their children in front of others.

You can use this in both formal and informal situations to gently warn or advise someone against something they've done wrong.

• She admonished her son for not doing his homework.
• The teacher admonished the students for talking during the lesson.

Mostly negative, implying a loud and severe scolding, usually in an emotional or intense manner.

• He berated the team for their poor performance.
• She berated him for forgetting their anniversary.