Reprove \Re*prove"\ (r?-pr??v"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reproved (-pr??vd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Reproving.]

[F. r['e]prouver, OF. reprover, fr. L. reprobare. See Reprieve, Reprobate, and cf. Reproof.]

1. To convince. [Obs.]

When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. --John xvi. 9.

2. To disprove; to refute. [Obs.]

Reprove my allegation, if you can. --Shak.

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.

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.

Usage: 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)