reprove

reprove · verb¹

1. Latin · derived fromreprobāre
2. Middle French · derived fromreprouver
3. Anglo-Norman · derived fromreprover
4. Middle English · inherited fromrepreven
5. English todayreprove

From Middle English repreven, reproven, from Anglo-Norman reprover, Middle French reprouver, from Latin reprobāre. Doublet of reprobate.

reprove · verb²

From re- + prove.

First known use, by meaning

• from 14th c. To express disapproval.
• from 14th c. To criticise, rebuke, or reprimand (someone), usually in a gentle and kind tone.
• from 14th c. To deny or reject (as a feeling, behaviour, action, etc.).