chide

verb

ˈchīd 

chid ˈchid  or chided ˈchī-dəd  ; chid or chidden ˈchi-dᵊn  or chided; chiding ˈchī-diŋ 

intransitive verb

: to speak out in angry or displeased rebuke

is quick to chide against the mayor for his negligence

transitive verb

: to voice disapproval to : reproach in a usually mild and constructive manner : scold

She chided us for arriving late.

Synonyms

• admonish
• rebuke
• reprimand
• reproach
• reprove
• tick off

Choose the Right Synonym for chide

reprove, rebuke, reprimand, admonish, reproach, chide mean to criticize adversely.

reprove implies an often kindly intent to correct a fault.

gently reproved my table manners

rebuke suggests a sharp or stern reproof.

the papal letter rebuked dissenting clerics

reprimand implies a severe, formal, often public or official rebuke.

reprimanded by the ethics committee

admonish suggests earnest or friendly warning and counsel.

admonished by my parents to control expenses

reproach and chide suggest displeasure or disappointment expressed in mild reproof or scolding.

reproached him for tardiness

chided by their mother for untidiness

Examples of chide in a Sentence

She chided us for arriving late.

“You really should have been here on time,” she chided.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adra chuckles, gently chiding his friend for his impatience and his need to effect change immediately. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

The big picture: Black men also have become a focal point in battleground states Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, with Democrats courting them — and sometimes chiding them for not getting firmly behind Harris, a Black woman. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024

More:Streets of mud: Helene dashes small town's hopes in North Carolina More:Biden to visit North Carolina to tour Helene damage as Trump chides response Sign-up for Your Vote: Text with the USA TODAY elections team. —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024

But some Republicans also chided the comedian for the racist remarks. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English cīdan to quarrel, chide, from cīd strife

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

chide

verb

ˈchīd 

chid ˈchid  or chided ˈchīd-əd  ; chid or chidden ˈchid-ᵊn  or chided; chiding ˈchīd-iŋ 

: to express mild disapproval of