What does reprobation mean?
Reprobation is a formal word for strong disapproval, censure, or condemnation. It can refer both to the act of denouncing someone and to the state or reputation of being condemned. The word is more severe and elevated than words such as criticism or disapproval, often suggesting a public or authoritative judgment rather than private dissatisfaction. It also has a specialized theological meaning: rejection by God or exclusion from salvation, a usage found particularly in discussions of predestination and religious judgment. In modern writing, reprobation is most likely to appear in historical, legal, religious, or deliberately formal contexts. Its Latin roots connect it to the language of approval, probation, and condemnation, making it a useful example of how a word can preserve the idea of formal judgment while developing a more negative modern tone.
nounReprobation means strong disapproval, censure, or condemnation of someone or something. In theological contexts, it can also mean rejection or exclusion from salvation.
- Strong disapproval, censure, or condemnation of a person, action, or institution.
- In theology, rejection by God or exclusion from salvation.
"The committee issued a stern reprobation of the conduct displayed during the inquiry."
"The editor's article brought down a storm of public reprobation."
"In the strict theology of the tradition, reprobation was understood as divine rejection rather than merely human disapproval."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon, especially when the word is used in its general sense of public censure.
"The speech drew separate reprobations from both political parties."
Reprobation carries the force of a formal verdict against someone, turning ordinary disapproval into a public declaration of condemnation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reprobation come from?
Reprobation entered English by the late Middle English period, through Old French and Latin. Its ultimate source is Latin reprobatio, a noun associated with reprobare, meaning to reject or refuse to approve. The same Latin family gives English words including reprobate, probation, and approbation, reflecting the broader Latin root probare, meaning to test, examine, or approve.
How reprobation is actually used
Reprobation is a formal, literary, and somewhat old-fashioned word. It is more severe than ordinary criticism and is especially associated with official condemnation, religious discourse, and elevated or historical writing.
Easily confused with reprobation
Probation is a period of conditional oversight or testing, whereas reprobation expresses severe disapproval or condemnation.