reprimand

To reprimand someone means to speak to them with sharp disapproval because they have done something wrong, usually in a serious or formal way. The word can also be used as a noun: a reprimand is the strong warning or scolding itself. It is more than simply pointing out a mistake. It is a deliberate act meant to correct behavior, and it often comes from someone with authority.

Think of a headmaster speaking to a student for breaking school rules, or a manager calling an employee aside after a serious mistake. In both cases, the point is not just to complain, but to make it clear that the behavior must change. A simple disagreement is not this kind of warning. It usually involves authority, seriousness, and a clear sense that a line has been crossed.

You might receive a verbal reprimand, which is spoken, or a written reprimand, which is officially recorded. While unpleasant, it can still be useful because it gives someone a chance to learn from a mistake and do better. If the same problem happens again, though, repeated reprimands often lead to more serious consequences, such as suspension or dismissal.

So when you hear this word, think of a stern warning given to correct behavior, often by someone in charge and often with real weight behind it.