- (transitive) to scold or reprimand (someone)
- a reprimand or scolding
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
re•buke /rɪˈbyuk/USA pronunciation
v., -buked, -buk•ing, n.
v. [~ + object]
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026v. [~ + object]
- to express sharp, stern disapproval of;
scold;
reprimand:The teacher rebuked the disobedient students.
n. [countable]
- a sharp remark that indicates disapproval;
a scolding;
a reprimand:offering a sharp rebuke to his comments.
re•buke
(ri byo̅o̅k′),USA pronunciation v., -buked, -buk•ing, n.
v.t.
n.
re•buk′a•ble, adj.
re•buk′er, n.
re•buk′ing•ly, adv.
v.t.
- to express sharp, stern disapproval of;
reprove;
reprimand.
n.
- sharp, stern disapproval;
reproof;
reprimand.
- Gmc
- Anglo-French rebuker (Old French rebuchier) to beat back, equivalent. to re- re- + bucher to beat, strike
- Middle English rebuken (verb, verbal) 1275–1325
re•buk′er, n.
re•buk′ing•ly, adv.
- 1. censure, upbraid, chide, admonish. See reproach. 2. reproach, remonstration, censure.
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
rebuke /rɪˈbjuːk/ vb
'rebuke' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
account
- blister
- castigate
- check
- chide
- comedown
- correct
- crook
- curtain lecture
- earful
- flea
- keelhaul
- now
- pull up
- rap
- rate
- rating
- reprehend
- reprehensible
- reprehension
- reprimand
- reproach
- reproof
- reprove
- rough
- rub
- set down
- sit on
- strip
- trim
- wigging
- admonish
- berate
- Bible-thumper
- censure
- compellation
- curry
- cutty stool
- disgrace
- excuse
- gentle
- implied
- jump
- lecture
- mind
- objurgate
- read
- redargue
- reprobate
- tell