reproach Meaning, Definition & Usage

Re*proach" transitive verb

Etymology

F. reprocher, OF. reprochier, (assumed) LL. reproriare; L. pref. re- again, against, back + prope near; hence, originally, to bring near to, throw in one's teeth. Cf. Approach.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Reproached present participle & verbal noun Reproaching

Definitions

1. To come back to, or come home to, as a matter of blame; to bring shame or disgrace upon; to disgrace. Obs.

   I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, For that he knew you, might reproach your life. Shak.

2. To attribute blame to; to allege something disgracefull against; to charge with a fault; to censure severely or contemptuously; to upbraid.

   If ye be reproached for the name of Christ. 1 Peter iv. 14.

   That this newcomer, Shame, There sit not, and reproach us as unclean. Milton.

   Mezentius . . . with his ardor warmed His fainting friends, reproached their shameful flight. Repelled the victors. Dryden.

   Syn. -- To upbraid; censure; blame; chide; rebuke; condemn; revile; vilify.

Re*proach" noun

Etymology

F. reproche. See Reproach, v.

Definitions

1. The act of reproaching; censure mingled with contempt; contumelious or opprobrious language toward any person; abusive reflections; as, severe reproach.

   No reproaches even, even when pointed and barbed with the sharpest wit, appeared to give him pain. Macaulay.

   Give not thine heritage to reproach. Joel ii. 17.

2. A cause of blame or censure; shame; disgrace.
3. An object of blame, censure, scorn, or derision.

   Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Neh. ii. 17.

   Syn. -- Disrepute; discredit; dishonor; opprobrium; invective; contumely; reviling; abuse; vilification; scurrility; insolence; insult; scorn; contempt; ignominy; shame; scandal;; disgrace; infamy.