What does reprimand mean?
A reprimand is a formal criticism of someone’s conduct or work. It can be used as a noun, referring to the criticism itself, or as a verb, describing the act of firmly criticizing a person for wrongdoing, negligence, or a breach of expectations. The word often suggests an official or institutional response rather than a casual complaint, and it may carry a distinctly disciplinary tone. In the workplace, an employer might issue a written or verbal reprimand; in legal or parliamentary contexts, the term can refer to a formal expression of censure. Although “reprimand” is sometimes confused with “reprehend,” its established use tends to emphasize a formal warning or disciplinary criticism. It is a useful word when describing a serious response that is more than mild disapproval but may not amount to dismissal or formal punishment.
A formal expression of criticism or disapproval directed at someone’s conduct or work.
"The employee escaped a formal reprimand after the mistake was corrected."
Common in official, workplace, legal, and institutional contexts.
To criticize someone firmly or formally, especially because of misconduct or a failure to meet expectations.
"The chair reprimanded the witness for refusing to answer the question."
This is a formal and often disciplinary verb; it is more severe than simply expressing mild disapproval.
The plural is used for separate instances of formal criticism or disciplinary action.
"The supervisor issued two reprimands for repeated lateness."
A reprimand may be a reprimand on paper, but its linguistic ancestry is surprisingly physical: it comes from the Latin root for seizing or holding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reprimand come from?
Reprimand entered English through French, from the Latin reprimendere, meaning “to pull back” or “to check.” The word ultimately derives from the Latin roots re-, meaning “back” or “again,” and prehendere, meaning “to seize” or “hold.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as comprehend, apprehend, and reprehensible, although the modern sense of reprimand developed from the idea of restraining or rebuking someone.
Related word forms
How reprimand is actually used
Reprimand is formal and relatively severe. It is common in official, workplace, legal, and institutional contexts; in everyday conversation, “tell someone off” may be the more neutral or informal alternative.
Easily confused with reprimand
Reprimand usually implies a formal or official criticism, while reprehend is a more literary verb meaning to rebuke or express strong disapproval.