If you're reprimanded, someone in authority speaks to you in an angry way because you've done something wrong. Or you might reprimand your dog if he steals your hot dog.

The House of Representatives has a couple of ways to punish naughty members. One way is to reprimand them by voting to express disapproval. In 2009, Representative Joe Wilson was reprimanded after his outburst of "You lie!" during President Obama's speech. In the halls of Congress, this is considered "unparliamentary language," but if you yell at your congressman, that's okay.

Definitions of reprimand

n an act or expression of criticism and censure

rebuke, reprehension, reproof, reproval
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riot act
a vigorous reprimand
chiding, objurgation, scolding, tongue-lashing
rebuking a person harshly
what for
a strong reprimand
bawling out, castigation, chewing out, dressing down, earful, going-over, upbraiding
a severe scolding
berating, blowing up
a severe rebuke
a mild rebuke or criticism
lecture, speech, talking to
a lengthy rebuke
chastening, chastisement, correction
a rebuke for making a mistake
admonishment, admonition, monition
a firm rebuke
preaching, sermon
a moralistic rebuke
wig, wigging
British slang for a scolding
self-reproach, self-reproof
the act of blaming yourself
blame, rap
a reproach for some lapse or misdeed
curtain lecture
a private lecture to a husband by his wife
Type of:
criticism, unfavorable judgment
disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

v rebuke formally

censure, criminate
express blame or censure or make a harshly critical remark
Type of:
criticise, criticize, knock, pick apart
find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws

v censure severely or angrily

bawl out, berate, call down, call on the carpet, chew out, chew up, chide, dress down, have words, jaw, lambast, lambaste, lecture, rag, rebuke, remonstrate, reproof, scold, take to task, trounce, vituperate
castigate, chasten, chastise, correct, objurgate
censure severely
brush down, tell off
criticize harshly, usually via an electronic medium
Type of:
criticise, criticize, knock, pick apart

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