reproach

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English

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Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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Noun

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reproach (countable and uncountable, plural reproaches)

  1. A mild rebuke, or an implied criticism.
    • 1818, Mary Shelley, chapter 4, in Frankenstein[1], archived from the original on 30 October 2011:
      My father made no reproach in his letters and only took notice of my science by inquiring into my occupations more particularly than before.
  2. Disgrace or shame.
  3. (countable) An object of scorn.

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Verb

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reproach (third-person singular simple present reproaches, present participle reproaching, simple past and past participle reproached)

  1. (transitive) To criticize or rebuke (someone).
    Synonyms: exprobrate, blame, rebuke, upbraid; see also Thesaurus:criticize
  2. (transitive) To disgrace, or bring shame upon.
    • 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]:
      I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, / For that he knew you, might reproach your life.

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