reproof

noun

re·​proof ri-ˈprüf How to pronounce reproof (audio)
: criticism for a fault : rebuke

Examples of reproof in a Sentence

The fear of reproof prevented them from complaining. even in church we were not free from Mother's familiar reproof of our ingrained tendency to fidget in our seats
Recent Examples on the Web Florida and Texas have already allowed concerts to resume, though not without some issues: Steve Aoki and Diplo each got warnings from local police and reproof from the mayor of Tampa, Fla., for performing in front of maskless crowds during Super Bowl weekend in February. Dave Brooks, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2021 Such a man is a proper subject, not for reproof, but for medical treatment. Fitz Hugh Ludlow, Harper’s Magazine , 17 Aug. 2022 Preceded by a setting of the Kaddish and opening with an evergreen reproof of antisemitism, the symphony is the kind of music that welcomes reflection. New York Times, 1 Aug. 2022 When a boy in the front row decides to visit the girl sitting behind him, Hood gives him a gentle reproof. Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2021 In response to the reproof, Clicks has issued an apology, and an explanation that at least two other companies were involved in approving the advert. Norma Young, Quartz Africa, 9 Sep. 2020 Proof, take a break of two or more days, reproof and then submit. Lee Shulman Bierer, chicagotribune.com, 17 Aug. 2020 With it, the architect proved the power of a poetic modernism, full of whimsy and romance, and offered a reproof to the lean, functional modernism of an earlier generation of architects. Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 12 June 2019 Indeed, a quick review of the text indicates that the reproofs are arranged in four couplets, increasing in severity. Rabbi Avi Weiss, Jewish Journal, 7 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reproof.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repref, reprofe, from Anglo-French reproefe, from reprover

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reproof was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near reproof

Cite this Entry

“Reproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reproof. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reproof

noun
re·​proof ri-ˈprüf How to pronounce reproof (audio)
: criticism for a fault : rebuke

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