from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Reprove \Re*prove"\ (r?-pr??v"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Reproved}
(-pr??vd"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Reproving}.] [F. r['e]prouver,
OF. reprover, fr. L. reprobare. See {Reprieve}, {Reprobate},
and cf. {Reproof}.]
1. To convince. [Obs.]
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When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment. --John xvi.
9.
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2. To disprove; to refute. [Obs.]
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Reprove my allegation, if you can. --Shak.
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3. To chide to the face as blameworthy; to accuse as guilty;
to censure.
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What if thy son
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Prove disobedient, and, reproved, retort,
"Wherefore didst thou beget me?" --Milton.
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4. To express disapprobation of; as, to reprove faults.
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He neither reproved the ordinance of John, neither
plainly condemned the fastings of the other men.
--Udall.
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Syn: To reprehend; chide; rebuke; scold; blame censure.
Usage: {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.
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