Re*prove" (r?-pr??v"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Reproved (-pr??vd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Reproving.] [F. r'eprouver, OF. reprover, fr. L. reprobare. See Reprieve, Reprobate, and cf. Reproof.]
1.
To convince.
[Obs.]
When he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.
John xvi. 9.
2.
To disprove; to refute.
[Obs.]
Reprove my allegation, if you can.
Shak.
3.
To chide to the face as blameworthy; to accuse as guilty; to censure.
What if thy son
Prove disobedient, and, reproved, retort,
"Wherefore didst thou beget me?"
Milton.
4.
To express disapprobation of; as, to reprove faults.
He neither reproved the ordinance of John, neither plainly condemned the fastings of the other men.
Udall.
Syn. -- To reprehend; chide; rebuke; scold; blame censure. -- Reprove, Rebuke, Reprimand. These words all signufy the expression of disapprobation. To reprove implies greater calmness and self-possession. To rebuke implies a more excited and personal feeling. A reproof may be administered long after the offience is committed, and is usually intended for the reformation of the offender; a rebuke is commonly given at the moment of the wrong, and is administered by way of punishment and condemnation. A reprimand proceeds from a person invested with authority, and is a formal and offiscial act. A child is reproved for his faults, and rebuked for his impudence. A military officer is reprimanded for neglect or violation of duty.
© Webster 1913.