noun
rebuke
ree-BYOOK
noun
1
A sharp expression of disapproval; a scolding.
"The senator issued a public rebuke of his own party's policy."
verb
1
To criticize someone sharply, usually for something they did wrong.
"The coach rebuked the players for their lack of effort."
"She was rebuked by the board for missing the deadline."
How to Use Rebuke
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA stern telling-off, or to deliver one.
When to use it
Formal — more common in news, politics, and writing than everyday speech, where "tell off" or "scold" is more natural.
Common pairings
a sharp rebuke
rebuke someone for
a public rebuke
Word Forms
rebuked past tense, rebukes plural, rebukes singular
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The senator issued a public _____ of his own party's policy.
Etymology
From Middle English rebuken, from Anglo-Norman rebuker ("to beat back, repel"), ultimately tied to an Old French word for striking or chopping wood.