01 v. t. To convince.
imp. & p. p.
Reproved; p. pr. & vb. n.
Reproving
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1.
To convince.[Obs.]“When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” — John xvi. 9.
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2.
To disprove; to refute.[Obs.]“Reprove my allegation, if you can.” — Shak.
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3.
To chide to the face as blameworthy; to accuse as guilty; to censure.“What if thy son Prove disobedient, and, reproved, retort, “Wherefore didst thou beget me?”” — Milton.
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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.
-- 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.