reprove

/ri-ˈprüv/

Middle English repreven, reproven, from Anglo-French reprover, from Late Latin reprobare to disapprove, condemn, from Latin re- + probare to test, approve

verb

  1. to scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent

  2. to express disapproval of : censure

  3. disprove, refute

reprove rebuke reprimand admonish reproach chide mean to criticize adversely. reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault. rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.