Reprimands

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. To express official disapproval to someone for wrongdoing ; a formal statement or act of criticism for misconduct
2. To scold or criticize officially for inappropriate behavior ; an authoritative reprimanding or censure issued to a person
3. To give a stern rebuke or admonishment in an official capacity ; a formal reprimand that indicates dissatisfaction with actions

Etymology: "Reprimands" is simply the plural of "reprimand," so its history is that of the singular noun. "Reprimand" was borrowed from French "réprimande," a word that comes from the verb "réprimer," meaning "to repress" or "to hold back." The original sense was therefore one of restraint: a reprimand is a rebuke meant to hold someone in check, pressing back against behaviour that has gone too far. The French verb itself is built from Latin "reprimere," with "re-" meaning "back" and "premere" meaning "to press." The English noun and its plural keep that pressing-down idea in their formal, spoken sense of a stern, public rebuke.

Synonyms: rebukes, scoldings, censures, admonitions, warnings

Antonyms: praise, commendations, lauds, approvals, endorsements