Definition of: reproof

(ri·prf′) noun
1. The act of reproving; rebuke; blame; censure.
2. Obs. Ignominy; reproach. Also re·prov·al (ri·pr′vəl). [<OF reprove <reprover. See REPROVE.] Synonyms: admonition, animadversion, blame, censure, check, chiding, comment, condemnation, criticism, denunciation, disapproval, objurgation, rebuke, reflection, reprehension, reprimand, reproach, reproval, upbraiding. Blame, censure, and disapproval may either be felt or uttered; comment, criticism, rebuke, reflection, reprehension, and reproof are always expressed. The same is true of admonition and animadversion. Comment and criticism may be favorable as well as censorious; they imply no superiority or authority on the part of him who utters them; nor do reflection or reprehension, which are simply turning the mind back upon what is disapproved. Reprehension is supposed to be calm and just, and with good intent; reflection is often from mere ill feeling, and is likely to be more personal and less impartial than reprehension. Rebuke, literally a stopping of the mouth, is administered to a forward or hasty person; reproof is administered to one intentionally or deliberately wrong; both words imply authority in the reprover, and direct expression of disapproval to the face of the person rebuked or reproved. Reprimand is official censure formally administered by a superior to one under his command. Rebuke may be given at the outset, or in the midst of an action; reflection, reprehension, reproof, always follow the act; admonition is anticipatory, and meant to be preventive. Check is allied to rebuke, and given before or during action; chiding is nearer to reproof, but with more personal bitterness and less authority. Compare CONDEMN, REPROVE. Antonyms: applause, approbation, approval, commendation, encomium, eulogy, panegyric, praise.