reprehending
Expressing stern disapproval
Reprehending is the act of expressing disapproval or criticism, typically from a position of authority.
The word is formal and somewhat old-fashioned, more likely found in written contexts than speech: The judge spent several minutes reprehending the defendant's conduct.
It carries a tone of moral correction rather than casual complaint.
Voicing sharp disapproval
- censuringFormally expressing strong disapproval
- condemningExpressing severe disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
- chastisingCriticizing severely for faults
berating · upbraiding · castigating · admonishing · reproving · chiding · reproaching · lambasting
Formal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- disapprobationSevere moral criticism
- disfavorLack of approval
- displeasureMild anger or disapproval
rebuke · reproof · denunciation · objection · dissatisfaction · opprobrium · animadversion · tutting
Mild verbal correction
- exhortationUrgent persuasive appeal
- moralizingDelivering ethical lectures
- sermonizingLecturing on morals
- preachingDelivering moral discourse
counseling · correcting · guiding · instructing · warning · cautioning · steering · edifying
Official court decision
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- adjudicationFormal decision on disputes
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- findingConclusion from investigation
ruling · sentence · determination · pronouncement · inquisition · tribunal · holding accountable · passing judgment
rebuking
Voicing sharp disapproval
- censuringFormally expressing strong disapproval
- condemningExpressing severe disapproval
- scoldingHarsh verbal criticism
chastising · berating · upbraiding · castigating · admonishing · reproving · chiding · reproaching · lambasting · denouncing
censure
Formal institutional disapproval
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- disapprobationSevere moral criticism
- disfavorLack of approval
displeasure · rebuke · reproof · denunciation · objection · dissatisfaction · opprobrium · animadversion · tutting · wagging finger
admonition
Mild verbal correction
- exhortationUrgent persuasive appeal
- moralizingDelivering ethical lectures
- sermonizingLecturing on morals
preaching · counseling · correcting · guiding · instructing · warning · cautioning · steering · edifying · setting straight
verdict
Official court decision
- condemnationSevere disapproval expressed formally
- adjudicationFormal decision on disputes
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
finding · ruling · sentence · determination · pronouncement · inquisition · tribunal · holding accountable · passing judgment · indictment
reprehendingpraising
Voicing admiration
commending · lauding · extolling · applauding · blessing
reprehendingexcusing
Forgiving a transgression
pardoning · forgiving · absolving · exonerating · exculpating
reprehensible, reprehend, reprehension, reprehensibly, reprehended