Exprobrations

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of expressing disapproval or rebuke towards someone's actions or behavior
2. A formal or vehement accusation often made publicly against an individual or group
3. The pronouncement of criticism or condemnation aimed at a person for their conduct or decisions

Etymology: "Exprobrations" is the plural of "exprobration," a noun for harsh public criticism. The word is built from Latin "exprobrare," meaning "to reproach, upbraid or reprove," which combines "ex-" (out, thoroughly) with "probrum," a Latin word for disgrace or shame. So at its root the idea is bringing someone's disgrace out into the open, which fits the public character of the modern sense. The noun was formed in Latin as "exprobratio," from the verb, with the familiar "-ion" ending that English took over. French has a parallel form, "exprobration," so the word reached English through the same Latin stock that gave us many other formal terms. Its plural form, with the "-s" ending, is what you would use when speaking of several such rebukes at once.

Synonyms: reproaches, criticisms, rebukes, censures, condemnations

Antonyms: praises, approbations, commendations