v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Reproved p. pr. & vb. n. Reproving. ] [ F. réprouver, OF. reprover, fr. L. reprobare. See Reprieve, Reprobate, and cf. Reproof. ] 1. To convince. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. John xvi. 9. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To disprove; to refute. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Reprove my allegation, if you can. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To chide to the face as blameworthy; to accuse as guilty; to censure. [ 1913 Webster ] What if thy son [ 1913 Webster ] Prove disobedient, and, reproved, retort,
“Wherefore didst thou beget me?” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To express disapprobation of; as, to reprove faults. [ 1913 Webster ] He neither reproved the ordinance of John, neither plainly condemned the fastings of the other men. Udall. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] |