To scold, criticize, or express disappointment in or disapproval of someone, oneself, or some group or organization for some action, error, or wrongdoing. It filled me with guilt the way my mother reproved me for failing my exam. The federal court reproved the banks for their part in plunging the economy into recession, but stopped short of actually imposing any punishment or penalty. He reproved himself for saying such foolish things on his date.