upbraid
UK: ʌpˈbreɪd | US: ʌpˈbreɪd
vt. to scold or criticize someone severely
vt. to reproach someone for a fault or offense
upbraid = up<intensive> + braid<to twist, reproach>
- up (intensive prefix, from Old English up, implying force or emphasis)
- braid (from Old English bregdan, meaning "to twist, pull, or reproach"; related to Old Norse bregða "to move suddenly")
Etymology Origin:
The word upbraid originated in Old English as upbregdan, combining up (intensifier) and bregdan ("to twist" or "to reproach"). The metaphor here likens verbal reproach to the physical act of twisting or pulling sharply—a vivid image of forceful criticism. Over time, bregdan evolved into braid, while up retained its emphatic role. The modern sense preserves the original idea of harshly confronting someone, as if "twisting" them with words.
The teacher upbraided the student for cheating on the exam.
He upbraided his colleagues for their lack of professionalism.
She was upbraided by her parents for coming home late.
The coach upbraided the team after their poor performance.
The manager upbraided the employee in front of the entire office.