Meaning & Definition of word "Scold"
to
Scold
/skoʊld/
verb:
- 1. to reprimand someone angrily or with disapproval.
- Example: The teacher scolded the students for talking during the lesson.
- 2. to criticize or rebuke someone for their actions.
- Example: She scolded her dog for chewing on the furniture.
- 3. to express discontent or annoyance at someone's behavior.
- Example: He often scolds his children for not cleaning up after themselves.
- 4. to speak to someone in an angry or critical way.
- Example: The parent scolded the child for running in the house.
Etymology
Middle English 'scolden', from Old Norse 'skalda', meaning 'to accuse' or 'to rebuke'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
scold like a fishwife:
To scold in a very loud and harsh manner.
scolding tone:
A tone of voice used to reprimand someone.
to scold someone black and blue:
To scold someone harshly and thoroughly.
Related Words
rebuke:
To criticize someone sharply.
discipline:
To train someone to obey rules or a code of behavior.
Slang Meanings of scold
Meaning: To give someone a hard time.
Example Sentence: She was just scolding me over nothing!
Meaning: To lay into someone.
Example Sentence: My mom really laid into me for not cleaning my room.