chide

verb

ˈchīd 

chid ˈchid  or chided ˈchī-dəd  ; chid or chidden ˈchi-dᵊn  or chided; chiding ˈchī-diŋ 

intransitive verb

: to speak out in angry or displeased rebuke

is quick to chide against the mayor for his negligence

transitive verb

: to voice disapproval to : reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner : scold

She chided us for arriving late.

Synonyms

• admonish
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• reprove
• tick off

Choose the Right Synonym for chide

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

Examples of chide in a Sentence

She chided us for arriving late.

“You really should have been here on time,” she chided.

Recent Examples on the Web

Watch Fox News Channel's report here: SIDING WITH THE MOB: CBS News is in disarray, facing multiple controversies after altering an answer Kamala Harris gave in an interview about Israel and then chiding a reporter for pressing an anti-Israel guest. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 11 Oct. 2024

No one called police, but someone complained to complex management, who left a handwritten note on Van Huss' door, chiding her for the noise and telling her to be more considerate of her neighbors. —Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 3 Sep. 2024

And the defense is sure to point to another recording made by Solis three weeks later, where Madigan chided the alderman for using the term. —Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 7 Oct. 2024

The question is whether the Democratic National Convention will be a far different story — a big if given that leaders in the party have at times chided or shunned the network. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cīdan to quarrel, chide, from cīd strife

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

chide

verb

ˈchīd 

chid ˈchid  or chided ˈchīd-əd  ; chid or chidden ˈchid-ᵊn  or chided; chiding ˈchīd-iŋ 

: to express mild disapproval of