# rebuke

/ɹibˈjuk/ (US) · /ɹɪbjˈuːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rebuke
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a harsh criticism

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a serious and strong statement that tells someone their behavior was wrong.

For teachers: a formal expression of sharp disapproval or criticism, typically delivered by an authority figure.

- The manager's public rebuke left the employee feeling embarrassed and discouraged.
- The diplomat’s comments were seen as a sharp rebuke to the government’s recent policy changes regarding international trade.

Usage: Often follows the verbs 'deliver', 'issue', or 'receive'.

### 2. to criticize harshly

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to tell someone in a very serious way that you do not like what they did.

For teachers: to express sharp, stern disapproval of someone's actions; to reprimand formally.

- The teacher rebuked the students for their rude behavior during the assembly.
- The board of directors rebuked the CEO for failing to disclose the company's financial losses to the shareholders.

Usage: This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, often followed by 'for' and a gerund or noun phrase.

## Examples

- The manager gave him a sharp rebuke for being late.
- The committee's report was a stinging rebuke to the government's handling of the crisis.
- The diplomat's public statement served as a stern rebuke to the neighboring country's recent violation of the long-standing peace treaty.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.