reproof Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an act or expression of criticism and censure
    reproval; reprehension; rebuke; reprimand.
    • he had to take the rebuke with a smile on his face
  2. verb censure severely or angrily
    call on the carpet; rag; dress down; remonstrate; chew out; take to task; call down; jaw; lambast; trounce; scold; chide; berate; chew up; have words; rebuke; reprimand; lecture; bawl out; lambaste.
    • The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car
    • The deputy ragged the Prime Minister
    • The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup

WordNet

Re*proof" noun
Etymology
OE. reproef. See Proof, Reprove.
Definitions
  1. Refutation; confutation; contradiction. Obs.
  2. An expression of blame or censure; especially, blame expressed to the face; censure for a fault; chiding; reproach.
    Those best can bear reproof who merit praise. Pope.
    Syn. -- Admonition; reprehension; chiding; reprimand; rebuke; censure; blame. See Admonition.

Webster 1913