What does scolder mean?
A scolder is someone who criticizes or reprimands other people, often repeatedly and with noticeable sharpness. Used as a verb, scold means to speak sternly or angrily to someone about their conduct, mistakes, or failures. It is especially common in descriptions of parents, teachers, and coaches discipling children, although the word can apply to any relationship. The expression generally carries a mildly negative or disapproving tone: scolding suggests that the speaker is unhappy with what has been done, but it is not necessarily as severe as the language of abuse or denunciation. As a noun, scolder may describe either an authoritative person carrying out a legitimate reprimand or, more critically, a person habitually finding fault with everyone around them.
A person who scolds, especially one who habitually criticizes or reprimands others.
"Her aunt was a relentless scolder who rarely praised anyone."
Often mildly disapproving; it may describe either frequent fault-finding or a person who habitually reprimands others.
To criticize or reprimand someone sharply or angrily, especially for their behavior or mistakes.
"The manager scolded him for sending the report late."
Commonly used in educational and family contexts; it usually conveys stern disapproval rather than physical anger.
Used for more than one person who scolds or is inclined to scold.
"The novel depicts several strict parents and constant scolders."
To scold is to speak with sharp disapproval; to be called a scolder is to turn criticism into a label.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scolder come from?
The verb scold derives from the Old English word scald, meaning to speak sharply or harshly, and developed its modern sense through the influence of related Germanic forms. The noun scolder was formed by adding the agent suffix -er, meaning “one who” does something. Its history is therefore closely tied to the older verb, while the precise origin and development of the Old English form are not fully clear.
Related word forms
How scolder is actually used
The noun is often mildly disapproving and suggests a person who criticizes others frequently or harshly. As a verb, it is commonly used for parental or educational reprimands and may be considered somewhat old-fashioned in formal writing.
Easily confused with scolder
A scolder criticizes or reprimands someone, whereas a scaler removes scales from a surface or a fish.
A scolder criticizes someone verbally, while a solder joins metal pieces by melting a fusible alloy.