Objurgate

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈɒbd͡ʒə(ɹ)ɡeɪt/

Definitions

1. To express strong disapproval or criticism of someone, typically in a harsh or severe manner
2. To reprimand severely, often to correct behavior or actions deemed wrong or inappropriate
3. To rebuke or chastise firmly, showing stern disapproval or anger at misconduct

Etymology: "Objurgate" arrived in English from Latin "obiūrgātus," the past participle of "obiūrgō," which combined "ob-" (meaning "against") with "iūrgō," a verb meaning "to dispute" or "to chide." The Latin root carried the sense of scolding someone to their face, a reproach aimed directly at the person who had erred. The Latin verb was built on "iūrgium," a quarrel or dispute, and it was part of a family of words that kept the notion of argument close at hand. English borrowed the word whole rather than building it from pieces, so it preserves the Latin shape almost unchanged, with the "-ate" ending that English uses for verbs drawn from Latin participles.

Synonyms: rebuke, scold, reprimand

Antonyms: praise, commend