reprehend

verb

rep·​re·​hend ˌre-pri-ˈhend 

reprehended; reprehending; reprehends

transitive verb

: to voice disapproval of : censure

Synonyms

• anathematize
• censure
• condemn
• damn
• decry
• denounce
• execrate
• reprobate

Choose the Right Synonym for reprehend

criticize, reprehend, censure, reprobate, condemn, denounce mean to find fault with openly.

criticize implies finding fault especially with methods or policies or intentions.

criticized the police for using violence

reprehend implies both criticism and severe rebuking.

reprehends the self-centeredness of today's students

censure carries a strong suggestion of authority and of reprimanding.

a Senator formally censured by his peers

reprobate implies strong disapproval or firm refusal to sanction.

reprobated his son's unconventional lifestyle

condemn usually suggests an unqualified and final unfavorable judgment.

condemned the government's racial policies

denounce adds to condemn the implication of a public declaration.

a pastoral letter denouncing abortion

Examples of reprehend in a Sentence

that denomination reprehends murder in any form, contending that the taking of life is never justified

without exception, book reviewers reprehended the novel's tired plot

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin reprehendere, literally, to hold back, from re- + prehendere to grasp — more at get

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

reprehend

verb

rep·​re·​hend ˌrep-ri-ˈhend 

: to find fault with usually with sternness