scold

Criticize with anger

To scold is to rebuke someone angrily, typically for a fault or misbehavior: She scolded him for leaving the door open.

The word suggests sharp, sustained criticism rather than a single correction—often from a position of authority like parent to child.

As a noun, scold once meant a habitually nagging person, especially a woman, now dated and offensive.

rebuke

reprimand

Formal expression of disapproval

upbraid · censure · reprove · berate · castigate · lambaste · chastise · lecture · tell off · dress down

nag

pester

Annoy with persistence

  • badgerNag persistently
  • henpeckPersistently criticize a partner
  • harassPersistently torment someone

hound · carp · nitpick · kvetch · grumble · complain · bicker · needle · fuss · whine

rant

tirade

Extended angry speech

  • diatribeBitter, prolonged verbal attack
  • harangueAggressive lengthy scolding
  • rantAngry prolonged outburst

fulminate · rail · rave · vituperation · invective · philippic · jeremiad · denunciation · tongue-lashing · verbal assault

vocal

yell

Speak very loudly

shriek · screech · snap · bark · growl · sharp words · sharp tongue · loud · angry · fierce

discipline

punish

Penalize for wrongdoing

consequence · correct · teach a lesson · set straight · call out · hold accountable

Categories
Opposites
verbal evaluation

scoldpraise

Expression of approval

commend · compliment · laud · extol · acclaim

emotional tone

scoldsoothe

Gently ease discomfort

comfort · reassure · encourage · console · coddle

Family

scolding, scolded, scolds, scolder, scoldings

Familiarity
Top 20,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G