the.com/rebuke

A scolding with a spine — sharper than criticism, shorter than a lecture.

means To sharply reprimand someone, usually to correct or check their behavior.

from From Old French 'rebuchier,' meaning to beat back or repel, built from the prefix 're-' (back) and 'buchier' (to strike, related to cutting down wood). The sense drifted from physical blows to verbal ones — a rebuke still carries that old force of being pushed back or struck down.

origin
from old french rebuchier, to beat back
vs criticism
criticism analyzes, rebuke just corrects you
tone
implies authority, not just an opinion
biblical favorite
jesus rebukes storms, demons, and disciples alike
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