Category:Reprove

Re*prove" (r-prv"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reproved (-prvd"); p. pr. & Vb. n. Reproving.] Etym: [f. réprouver, of. reprover, fr. L. Reprobare. See reprieve, reprobate, and cf. Reproof.]

1. To convince. [obs.] When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of Righteousness, and of judgment. John xvi. 9.

2. To disprove; to refute. [obs.] Reprove my allegation, if you can. Shak.

3. To chide to the face as blameworthy; to accuse as guilty; to Censure. What if thy son Prove disobedient, and, reproved, retort, "wherefore didst thou beget Me" milton.

4. To express disapprobation of; as, to reprove faults. He neither reproved the ordinance of john, neither plainly condemned The fastings of the other men. Udall.

Syn. -- to reprehend; chide; rebuke; scold; blame censure. -- reprove, rebuke, reprimand. These words all signufy the Expression of disapprobation. To reprove implies greater calmness and Self-possession. To rebuke implies a more excited and personal Feeling. A reproof may be administered long after the offience is Committed, and is usually intended for the reformation of the Offender; a rebuke is commonly given at the moment of the wrong, and Is administered by way of punishment and condemnation. A reprimand Proceeds from a person invested with authority, and is a formal and Offiscial act. A child is reproved for his faults, and rebuked for His impudence. A military officer is reprimanded for neglect or Violation of duty.