reprehend

Express sharp disapproval

To reprehend is to express disapproval or criticism, typically of someone's actions or behavior.

The word is formal and somewhat old-fashioned, appearing more often in its derivatives—reprehensible (deserving criticism) and reprehension (the act of criticizing).

The committee reprehended his conduct as unbecoming of a public official.

criticize

rebuke

Express sharp disapproval

chastiseReprimand severely for wrongdoing
condemnDeclare wrong or guilty
denouncePublicly declare wrongdoing

censure · scold · admonish · berate · castigate · upbraid · lambaste · reproach · reprimand · chide

disapproval

censure

Formal institutional disapproval

condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
displeasureMild anger or disapproval
rebukeExpress sharp disapproval

reproof · denunciation · animadversion · opprobrium · disfavor · objection · dissatisfaction · distaste · deprecation · reprobation

blame

fault

Imperfection or blame

blameAssign responsibility for wrongdoing
accuseClaim someone did wrong
indictFormally charge with crime

impugn · arraign · incriminate · hold accountable · charge · implicate · attribute

defame

discredit

Harm another's reputation

stigmatizeMark with dishonor
disparageExpress low opinion of
deprecateExpress earnest disapproval

vilify · malign · slander · libel · smear · denigrate · defame · besmirch · traduce · calumniate

Opposites

moral judgment expressed

reprehendpraise

Expression of approval

commend · approve · laud · extol · applaud

Family

reprehensibility, reprehensible, reprehension, reprehended

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Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G