When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment. --John xvi.
9.
2. To disprove; to refute. [Obs.]
Reprove my allegation, if you can. --Shak.
3. To chide to the face as blameworthy; to accuse as guilty;
to censure.
Prove disobedient, and, reproved, retort,
``Wherefore didst thou beget me?'' --Milton.
4. To express disapprobation of; as, to reprove faults.
He neither reproved the ordinance of John, neither
plainly condemned the fastings of the other men.
--Udall.
Syn: To reprehend; chide; rebuke; scold; blame censure.
Usage: {Reprove}, {Rebuke}, {Reprimand}. These words all
signufy the expression of disapprobation. To reprove
implies greater calmness and self-possession. To
rebuke implies a more excited and personal feeling. A
reproof may be administered long after the offience is
committed, and is usually intended for the reformation
of the offender; a rebuke is commonly given at the
moment of the wrong, and is administered by way of
punishment and condemnation. A reprimand proceeds from
a person invested with authority, and is a formal and
offiscial act. A child is reproved for his faults, and
rebuked for his impudence. A military officer is
reprimanded for neglect or violation of duty.