reproach

From Middle English reprochen, from Old French reprochier (Modern French reprocher).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈpɹəʊtʃ/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɹɪˈpɹoʊt͡ʃ/

• Audio (US):

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• Audio (General Australian):

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• Rhymes: -əʊtʃ

reproach (countable and uncountable, plural reproaches)

1. A mild rebuke, or an implied criticism.
   • 1818, Mary Shelley, chapter 4, in Frankenstein‎, archived from the original on 30 October 2011:

     My father made no reproach in his letters and only took notice of my science by inquiring into my occupations more particularly than before.

2. Disgrace or shame.
3. (countable) An object of scorn.

• obloquy, opprobrium

• self-reproach

reproach (third-person singular simple present reproaches, present participle reproaching, simple past and past participle reproached)

1. (transitive) To criticize or rebuke (someone).

   Synonyms: exprobrate, blame, rebuke, upbraid; see also Thesaurus:criticize

   • 1611, The Holy Bible,  (King James Version), London: Robert Barker, , →OCLC, 1 Peter 4:14:

     if ye be reproached for the name of Christ

   • 1667, John Milton, “Book VIII”, in Paradise Lost. , London: [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker ; nd by Robert Boulter ; nd Matthias Walker, , →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: , London: Basil Montagu Pickering , 1873, →OCLC:

     this new commer, Shame,
     There sit not, and reproach us as unclean.

   • 1697, Virgil, “(please specify the book number)”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. , London: Jacob Tonson, , →OCLC:

     Mezentius […] with his ardour warmed / His fainting friends, reproached their shameful flight, / Repelled the victors.

2. (transitive) To disgrace, or bring shame upon.
   • c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “Measure for Measure”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies  (First Folio), London: Isaac Iaggard, and Ed Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, :

     I thought your marriage fit; else imputation, / For that he knew you, might reproach your life.

• (to disgrace): disgrace, dishonor
• See also Thesaurus:reprehend

• beyond reproach
• reproachful
• reproachable