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English
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Kids
EN
rebuke
Definitions
1
verb
To
express
sharp
disapproval
or
criticism
of
someone
because
of
their
behavior
or
actions
.
The
teacher
rebuked
the
student
for
talking
during
the
lecture
.
She
was
rebuked
by
her
manager
for
missing
the
deadline
.
He
rebuked
his
friend
for
being
late
to
the
meeting
.
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Word Origin
Language
Middle English
Original word
rebuken
Word parts
re- (again) + buken (to strike or beat)
Originally meant
to beat back or drive back
Background
The word 'rebuke' comes from the Old French 'rebuchier', which means to beat back or drive back. It entered the English language in the Middle Ages, evolving to mean expressing disapproval.