Standard Lemma guide

reprehension

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˌɹɛpɹɪˈhɛnʃən/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɛnʃən

1

noun

Meaning 1

the act, or an expression, of criticism, censure or condemnation; reprimand

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: admonishment, censure, dispraise, attainder, attainture, attaintment, blame, condemnation, condemning, damnation, disapprobation, disapproval, improbation, reprehension, brickbatting, castigation, onus, chastisement, criticism, critique, discommendation, panning, vituperation

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

an act or expression of criticism and censure

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: rebuke, reproof, reproval, reprimand

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: criticism, unfavorable judgment

Narrower terms: riot act, chiding, scolding, objurgation, tongue-lashing, what for, castigation, earful, bawling out, chewing out, upbraiding, going-over, dressing down, berating, blowing up, reproach, lecture, speech, talking to, correction, chastening, chastisement, admonition, admonishment, monition

History

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin reprehensio, reprehensionis.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: укор (ukor) — the act, or an expression, of criticism, censure or condemnation; reprimand
  • Bulgarian: порицание (poricanie) — the act, or an expression, of criticism, censure or condemnation; reprimand
  • French: répréhension — the act, or an expression, of criticism, censure or condemnation; reprimand
  • German: Tadel — the act, or an expression, of criticism, censure or condemnation; reprimand
  • Hungarian: megrovás — the act, or an expression, of criticism, censure or condemnation; reprimand
  • Spanish: reprehensión — the act, or an expression, of criticism, censure or condemnation; reprimand
  • Ottoman Turkish: تربیه (terbiye) — the act, or an expression, of criticism, censure or condemnation; reprimand