noun
reproach
rih-PROHCH
noun
1
A mild expression of blame or disappointment.
"There was a note of reproach in her voice when she asked where he'd been."
verb
1
To criticize or blame someone, usually gently.
"He reproached himself for not calling sooner."
How to Use Reproach
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA gentle scolding or expression of disappointment.
Common pairings
beyond reproach
a look of reproach
reproach oneself
Word Forms
reproached past tense, reproaches plural, reproaches singular
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Etymology
From Old French reprochier, likely tied to the idea of bringing something "close" (Latin prope) back to someone as blame.