scold

[skohld]

verb (used with object)

1. to find fault with angrily; chide; reprimand.

   The teacher scolded me for being late.

   Synonyms: censure, reprove
   Antonyms: praise

verb (used without object)

1. to find fault; reprove.

2. to use abusive language.

noun

1. a person who is constantly scolding, often with loud and abusive speech.

2. common scold.

scold

/ skəʊld /

verb

1. to find fault with or reprimand (a person) harshly; chide

2. (intr) to use harsh or abusive language

noun

1. a person, esp a woman, who constantly finds fault

Other Word Forms

• scoldable adjective
• scolder noun
• scoldingly adverb
• outscold verb (used with object)
• unscolded adjective
• scolding noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scold¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; (noun) Middle English, variant of scald, from Old Norse skald “poet” (as author of insulting poems); skald; (verb) Middle English scolden, derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of scold¹

C13: from Old Norse _skald

Synonym Study

See reproach.

Example Sentences

“Young women should get married just like Taylor Swift is planning to. You will be happier,” scolded Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Points USA.

From Salon

Confronting her audience, she scolded: "I'll tell you something about my good name / It's mine alone to disgrace / I don't cater to all these vipers dressed in empath's clothing."

From BBC

In this episode, Amanda unpacks her combative style with reporters, including scolding the press and calling their questions “stupid.”

From Salon

The ruling scolded the Department of Justice for “misreading” the restraining order it sought to block, and said it “mischaracterized” Judge Frimpong’s order.

From Los Angeles Times

"Now I'm braver, so I go along with it when they scold me."

From BBC

Related Words

• admonish 
• berate 
• blame 
• castigate 
• censure 
• chide 
• criticize 
• denounce 
• rebuke 
• reprimand 
• reproach 
• taunt 
• upbraid 
• vilify 

When To Use

What does scold mean?

Scold means to angrily or harshly tell someone that they've said or done something you think is wrong, often with the intent of making them feel bad about it so that they don't do it againA person may scold both other people and animals when they do something wrong. When it comes to people, it is often adults scolding children.The noun scold refers to a person who frequently judges other people or points out their faults. This sense of the word is almost always used negatively to imply that such a person scolds too much or is often angry.Example: My dad scolded my dog after it chewed up the couch.