rebuke
ree-BYOOK
Rebuke (noun) means a sharp expression of disapproval; a scolding. Example: “The senator issued a public rebuke of his own party's policy.”
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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a sharp rebuke
rebuke someone for
a public rebuke
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Word forms
- Plural
- rebukes
- Third person singular
- rebukes
- Past tense
- rebuked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for rebuke
See all rhymes for rebuke →Frequently asked questions
What does “rebuke” mean?
The word “rebuke” means a sharp expression of disapproval; a scolding. In plain terms, a stern telling-off, or to deliver one.
How do you pronounce “rebuke”?
“Rebuke” is pronounced ree-BYOOK (/ɹiˈbjuːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “rebuke” in a sentence?
Here is “rebuke” used in a sentence: “The senator issued a public rebuke of his own party's policy.”
What part of speech is “rebuke”?
Depending on how it is used, “rebuke” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rebuke” come from?
The word “rebuke” comes from Old French. From Middle English rebuken, from Anglo-Norman rebuker ("to beat back, repel"), ultimately tied to an Old French word for striking or chopping wood.
Is “rebuke” a common word?
“Rebuke” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “rebuke” have?
“Rebuke” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp expression of disapproval; a scolding.
