scold — to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong
Pronunciation (IPA): /skoʊld/
Example Sentences
- My mom will scold me if she finds out I ate all the ice cream.
- The coach scolded the players for not practicing hard enough.
- Don't scold the cat for knocking over your coffee - it was an accident!
scold
VERB[/skoʊld/]
to speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong
The teacher scolded the student for cheating on the test.
The coach scolded the players for ignoring the game plan. (WRONG ACTION + ANGRY WORDS = SCOLD)
After being scolded and told the truth, the lesson unfolds.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Middle English 'scolden', meaning 'to speak loudly or noisily'. It traces back to Old Norse 'skáld', meaning 'poet' or 'bard', as these figures were known for reciting verses and delivering criticisms in loud, pronounced tones.
Breakdown
Old Norse 'skáld' (poet, bard) → Middle English 'scolden' (to speak loudly) → Modern English 'scold' (to rebuke harshly). The semantic shift reflects the transition from loud recitation to harsh verbal criticism.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom will scold me if she finds out I ate all the ice cream.”
“The coach scolded the players for not practicing hard enough.”
“Don't scold the cat for knocking over your coffee - it was an accident!”
“She scolded herself for forgetting her friend's birthday.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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