a severe reproof or rebuke, esp. a formal one by a person in authority.

to reprove or rebuke severely, esp. in a formal way.

noun

forgiveness , praise , reward

verb

exonerate , forgive , reward

noun

admonishment , admonition , bawling out , blame , calling down , castigation , censure , chiding , comeuppance , dressing-down * , going over , grooming , hard time , lecture , piece of one’s mind , ragging , rap * , rebuke , reprehension , reproof , scolding , slap on wrist , talking-to , telling-off , tongue-lashing , what for , reproach

verb

admonish , call on the carpet , castigate , censure , check , chew out * , chide , come down on * , criticize , denounce , dress down * , give piece of one’s mind , give the dickens , lecture , lesson , light into * , lower the boom , monish , rap , rebuke , reprehend , reproach , reprove , take to task , tell off , tick off * , upbraid , call down , chastise , dress down , scold , tax , berate , chasten , discipline , punish , rebuff