upbraid

Definition

To criticize severely.

Etymology

From Middle English upbreyden, from Old English upbreġdan, equivalent to up- + braid. Compare English umbraid (“to upbraid”), Icelandic bregða (“to draw, brandish, braid, deviate from, change, break off, upbraid”). See up, and braid (transitive).

Example Sentences

• "How much doth thy kindness upbraid my wickedness!"
• "Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:"
• "Indeed, on several occasions, the Bishop of Lincoln was forced to upbraid both abbess and nuns for unseemliness in dress and behaviour."