Category:Reproach

Re*proach" (r-prch"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reproached (-prcht"); p. Pr. & vb. n. Reproaching.] Etym: [f. reprocher, of. reprochier, (assumed) ll. reproriare; l. pref. re- again, against, back + prope Near; hence, originally, to bring near to, throw in one's teeth. Cf. Approach.]

1. To come back to, or come home to, as a matter of blame; to bring Shame or disgrace upon; to disgrace. [obs.] I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, for that he knew you, Might reproach your life. Shak.

2. To attribute blame to; to allege something disgracefull against; To charge with a fault; to censure severely or contemptuously; to Upbraid. If ye be reproached for the name of christ. 1 peter iv. 14. That this newcomer, shame, there sit not, and reproach us as unclean. Milton. Mezentius. . . with his ardor warmed his fainting friends, Reproached their shameful flight. Repelled the victors. Dryden.

Syn. -- to upbraid; censure; blame; chide; rebuke; condemn; revile; Vilify.

Reproach Re*proach", n. Etym: [f. reproche. See reproach, v.]

1. The act of reproaching; censure mingled with contempt; Contumelious or opprobrious language toward any person; abusive Reflections; as, severe reproach. No reproaches even, even when pointed and barbed with the sharpest Wit, appeared to give him pain. Macaulay. Give not thine heritage to reproach. Joel ii. 17.

2. A cause of blame or censure; shame; disgrace.

3. An object of blame, censure, scorn, or derision. Come, and let us build up the wall of jerusalem, that we be no more a Reproach. Neh. ii. 17.

Syn. -- disrepute; discredit; dishonor; opprobrium; invective; contumely; Reviling; abuse; vilification; scurrility; insolence; insult; scorn; Contempt; ignominy; shame; scandal;; disgrace; infamy.