Vocabulary word Upbraid - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Anguish and Despair

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Blame and Accusation

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Conduct and Character

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Dictionary Definition of upbraid

To scold or criticize someone harshly for something they have done wrong or for behavior that is considered inappropriate or unacceptable.
"The teacher would often upbraid the students for not completing their assignments."

Detailed Meaning of Upbraid

It can also refer to reproaching someone for their actions or attitudes. Upbraiding is often done in a severe or stern manner and may involve raising one's voice, using strong language or making accusations. This verb implies a sense of moral indignation or disapproval, and it is typically used in situations where the speaker feels that the person being upbraided has acted in a way that is unworthy or dishonorable. Examples of situations where one might upbraid someone include instances of lying, cheating, or disrespecting others.

Example Sentences for Upbraid

1. She didn't hesitate to upbraid her friend for betraying her trust.
2. The teacher had to upbraid the unruly students for disrupting the class.
3. He chose to upbraid his colleague privately instead of embarrassing him in the meeting.
4. The coach didn't hold back and upbraided the team for their lack of effort.
5. It's essential to upbraid dishonesty to maintain a culture of integrity.
6. The manager had to upbraid the employee for consistently missing deadlines.

Origin and Etymology of Upbraid

The verb 'upbraid' has its etymological roots in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word 'upbregdan,' which means 'to bring forth,' 'to present,' or 'to reproach.' In modern English, 'upbraid' is used to describe the act of scolding or criticizing someone harshly for something they have done wrong or for behavior that is considered inappropriate or unacceptable. When one 'upbraids' another, they typically express strong disapproval, reproach, or condemnation, often using stern or reproving language. This term conveys a sense of admonishment and serves as a way to reprimand or rebuke someone for their actions or conduct.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb upbraid:

chastise

praise

commend

laud

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Upbraid

1. Parents sometimes upbraid their children out of concern for their well-being.
2. The disappointed fans upbraided the star player for his poor performance.
3. She felt it was her duty to upbraid the politician for his unethical behavior.
4. Friends should be able to upbraid each other when necessary, with love and care.
5. The boss chose to upbraid the entire department for their collective failure to meet targets.
6. She couldn't help but upbraid her brother for his thoughtless remark.
7. He had the audacity to upbraid his colleagues for their incompetence.
8. The coach would upbraid the players for their lack of teamwork.
9. The boss would upbraid his employees for their frequent tardiness.
10. I had to upbraid my friend for betraying my trust.
11. The customer decided to upbraid the waiter for the poor service.
12. The parent would upbraid their child for their disobedient behavior.
13. She couldn't resist the temptation to upbraid her ex-boyfriend for his deceit.
14. The professor would upbraid the students for not paying attention in class.
15. The politician used the opportunity to upbraid his opponent for their unethical practices.
16. The supervisor would upbraid the team members for their constant errors.
17. The judge decided to upbraid the lawyer for his disrespectful conduct.
18. The principal would upbraid the students for breaking the school rules.
19. She felt the need to upbraid her roommate for leaving a mess in the kitchen.
20. The pastor would upbraid the congregation for their lack of compassion.
21. The captain would upbraid the players for their poor sportsmanship.
22. The CEO didn't hesitate to upbraid the executives for their failure to meet targets.
23. The mother would upbraid her child for their reckless behavior.
24. The sergeant would upbraid the soldiers for their lack of discipline.