Upbraid

To upbraid means to criticize or scold someone severely, often for a perceived wrongdoing or failure. This verbal reprimand is typically delivered with strong disapproval and may involve expressions of anger or disappointment. The purpose of an upbraiding can range from correcting behavior to expressing frustration or disappointment with someone's actions. It implies a sense of moral judgment and an expectation that the recipient will acknowledge their error. An upbraiding is often directed towards those in a position of power or authority, such as parents to children, teachers to students, or superiors to subordinates, but can happen between peers too.

Upbraid meaning with examples

• The manager upbraided the employee for consistently missing deadlines, outlining the impact of his tardiness on the team's overall project completion. He expressed strong disappointment and emphasized the need for immediate improvement in time management and adherence to established protocols. The upbraiding served as a stern warning.
• After discovering the children had broken a family heirloom, their mother upbraided them for their carelessness. She delivered a detailed lecture, expressing her sadness and the cost of their mistake. She aimed to teach them the importance of respecting family property and practicing greater care in future, emphasizing that what was done could not be undone.
• The seasoned coach upbraided the team after their lackluster performance in the first half of the game. He emphasized the importance of teamwork, strategy, and effort, pointing out the errors that led to their poor showing. His aim was to inspire them to play to their potential and ignite a spark that would change their performance.
• The teacher upbraided the student for plagiarism, citing the seriousness of academic dishonesty and the importance of original work. She expressed her disappointment in their ethical lapse and demanded better conduct. Her goal was to instill respect for intellectual property and the significance of integrity in scholarship.