C2verbformalpolitics
US/rɪˈbjuːk/
UK/rɪˈbjuːk/
to criticize someone strongly and officially for something they have done
In context
The court rebuked the police for holding the men without charge.
The president publicly rebuked his own minister over the comments.
She was sharply rebuked by the committee for missing the deadline.
Words that go with rebuke
adverb + verb
- publicly rebukeIt is rare for the party to publicly rebuke a senior member.
- sharply rebukeThe editor sharply rebuked the reporter for the error.
- severely rebukeBoth officers were severely rebuked for the delay.
verb + preposition
- rebuke forThe judge rebuked the lawyer for interrupting witnesses.
verb + adverb
- rebuke openlyFew dared to rebuke the general openly.