reproof

reproof
    n 1: an act or expression of criticism and censure; "he had to
         take the rebuke with a smile on his face" [syn: {rebuke},
         {reproof}, {reproval}, {reprehension}, {reprimand}]
    v 1: censure severely or angrily; "The mother scolded the child
         for entering a stranger's car"; "The deputy ragged the
         Prime Minister"; "The customer dressed down the waiter for
         bringing cold soup" [syn: {call on the carpet}, {take to
         task}, {rebuke}, {rag}, {trounce}, {reproof}, {lecture},
         {reprimand}, {jaw}, {dress down}, {call down}, {scold},
         {chide}, {berate}, {bawl out}, {remonstrate}, {chew out},
         {chew up}, {have words}, {lambaste}, {lambast}]
    

Reproof \Re*proof"\ (r?-pr??f"), n. [OE. reproef. See {Proof},
   {Reprove}.]
   1. Refutation; confutation; contradiction. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. An expression of blame or censure; especially, blame
      expressed to the face; censure for a fault; chiding;
      reproach.
      [1913 Webster]

            Those best can bear reproof who merit praise.
                                                  --Pope.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Admonition; reprehension; chiding; reprimand; rebuke;
        censure; blame. See {Admonition}.
        [1913 Webster]
    

22 Moby Thesaurus words for "reproof":
      admonishment, admonition, castigation, chastisement, chiding,
      correction, lecture, lesson, objurgation, rap, rating, rebuke,
      reprehension, reprimand, reproach, reprobation, reproval, scolding,
      sermon, spanking, upbraiding, wig