chide

verb

chid ˈchid How to pronounce chide (audio) or chided ˈchī-dəd How to pronounce chide (audio) ; chid or chidden ˈchi-dᵊn How to pronounce chide (audio) or chided; chiding ˈchī-diŋ How to pronounce chide (audio)

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.
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 At one point, her physical therapist gently chides her for forgetting to apply a cream to her feet. Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 26 July 2024 President Biden — who announced the end of his reelection bid on the eve of Netanyahu’s departure — has both championed Israel’s right to wage war against Hamas and chided the prime minister for his management of the conflict. John Hudson, Washington Post, 21 July 2024 Lambert previously chided fans from the stage at her June 29 concert in Midland, Texas. Malia Mendez, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2024 Though Vanderpump appeared on the program, and served as an executive producer, the show’s main focus was the restaurant and its employees: a group of lusty, hard-partying young protagonists whom Vanderpump, as a kindly but firm boss, was prepared to both chide and guide. Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 13 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for chide 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'chide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of chide was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near chide

Cite this Entry

“Chide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chide. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

chide

verb
chid ˈchid How to pronounce chide (audio) or chided ˈchīd-əd How to pronounce chide (audio) ; chid or chidden ˈchid-ᵊn How to pronounce chide (audio) or chided; chiding ˈchīd-iŋ How to pronounce chide (audio)
: to express mild disapproval of

More from Merriam-Webster on chide

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