verb
upbraid
Upbraid (verb) means to tell someone off sharply.
verb
1
To tell someone off sharply.
"Indeed, on several occasions, the Bishop of Lincoln was forced to upbraid both abbess and nuns for unseemliness in dress and behaviour."
— AA Book of British Villages, Drive Publications Ltd (1980)
"Mr. Trump and Vice President JD Vance upbraided the president of Ukraine in the Oval Office last Friday, then cut off military aid to the U.S. ally."
— Cameron Joseph, After wild six weeks, Trump tells Congress ‘We are just getting started’ (2025)
"Dalio had no qualms about upbraiding a junior employee in front of me and dozens of his colleagues."
— John Cassidy, Mastering the Machine (2011)
2
To accuse someone of doing something shameful and scold them for it.
3
To show scorn towards someone.
4
To raise something as a complaint against someone.
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Etymology
Came into English from Middle English upbreyden, which developed from Old English upbreġdan, equivalent to up- + braid. Compare English umbraid (“to upbraid”) and Icelandic bregða (“to draw, brandish, braid, deviate from, change, break off, upbraid”). See also up and braid (transitive).
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for upbraid
See all rhymes for upbraid →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of upbraid?
"upbraid" (verb) means to tell someone off sharply.
What is another word for upbraid?
Other words for "upbraid" include reproach.
What is the opposite of upbraid?
Opposites of "upbraid" include praise, compliment, applaud, laud, commend.
What are the different meanings of upbraid?
"upbraid" has 3 main meanings: 1. To tell someone off sharply; 2. To accuse someone of doing something shameful and scold them for it; 3. To show scorn towards someone.
