reproach meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

reproach

noun

UK /ɹɪˈpɹəʊtʃ/ · US /ɹɪˈpɹoʊt͡ʃ/

Etymology From Middle English reprochen, from Old French reprochier (Modern French reprocher).

A mild rebuke, or an implied criticism.

My father made no reproach in his letters and only took notice of my science by inquiring into my occupations more particularly than before.1818, Mary Shelley, chapter 4, in Frankenstein, archived from the original on 30 Oct 2011:

Disgrace or shame.

An object of scorn.

verb

Etymology From Middle English reprochen, from Old French reprochier (Modern French reprocher).

To criticize or rebuke (someone).

if ye be reproached for the name of Christ1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Peter 4:14:
this new commer, Shame, There sit not, and reproach us as unclean.1667, John Milton, “Book VIII”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:

1 more example

Mezentius […] with his ardour warmed / His fainting friends, reproached their shameful flight, / Repelled the victors.1697, Virgil, “(please specify the book number)”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:

To disgrace, or bring shame upon.

I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, / For that he knew you, might reproach your life.c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i]:

Derived terms: reproachable, reproacher, reproachingly, reproachment, unreproached, unreproaching