reprehend Meaning, Definition & Usage

Rep`re*hend" transitive verb

Etymology

L. reprehendere, reprehensum, to hold back, seize, check, blame; pref. re- re- + prehendere to lay hold of. See Prehensile, and cf. Reprisal.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Reprehended; present participle & verbal noun Reprehending

Definitions

1. To reprove or reprimand with a view of restraining, checking, or preventing; to make charge of fault against; to disapprove of; to chide; to blame; to censure. Chaucer.

   Aristippus being reprehended of luxury by one that was not rich, for that he gave six crowns for a small fish. Bacon.

   Pardon me for reprehending thee. Shak.

   In which satire human vices, ignorance, and errors . . . are severely reprehended. Dryden.

   I nor advise nor reprehend the choice. J. Philips.