Admonish

/ədˈmɒn.ɪʃ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To warn or reprimand someone firmly.
The teacher admonished the students for talking during the lecture.
To advise someone earnestly.
She admonished him to take his studies more seriously.
To caution or urge someone to do something.
He was admonished to leave the premises before it got dark.
To remind someone of a duty or responsibility.
The coach admonished the players to stay focused on their training.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French admonir, from Latin admonere 'to remind, to warn'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

admonish to
to advise someone to do something
admonish for
to reprimand someone for a specific action

Related Words

admonition
a gentle or friendly reproof.
mentor
an experienced and trusted advisor.

Slang Meanings

Give a heads up
I had to give him a heads up about his behavior.
Lay down the law
The manager laid down the law after the team's poor performance.