Scold
/skoʊld/
verbnounB1
Definition
To scold means to tell someone they did something bad or wrong, often in a loud or serious way. It is usually done to correct behavior or show disapproval. As a noun, a scold is a person who often complains or criticizes others.
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See It in Action
To speak angrily to someone because they did something wrong
- •The mother scolded her son for breaking the vase.
- •The teacher scolded the student for being late.
- •He was scolded by his boss for missing the meeting.
A person who often criticizes or finds fault (noun)
- •She is known as a scold because she always complains about others.
- •The old man was a scold, always telling people what they did wrong.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'scold' like 'say no' but stronger and with anger or seriousness
- ✓Picture a parent raising their voice gently but firmly when a child breaks a rule
- ✓It's the feeling when someone tells you 'You must not do that!' because they want you to learn
- ✓Sounds like 'cold' → imagine a cold wind that makes you feel uncomfortable, like the sharp words of a scold
- ✓Think of a teacher correcting a student loudly to stop bad behavior
- ✓NOT like 'talk' (neutral, friendly) but 'scold' includes anger or disappointment
- ✓NOT like 'shout' (just loud noise) but 'scold' has meaning—telling someone off for a mistake
- ✓NOT like 'praise' (say good things) but 'scold' is to say bad or unhappy things about actions
Try Other Words
- •Reprimand: to officially criticize someone (Use when the correction is formal, like at work or school)
- •Admonish: to warn or advise someone seriously (Use when warning someone to be careful or improve)
- •Chide: to gently scold (Use when the scolding is mild and less angry)
- •Criticize: to say what is wrong with someone or something (Use when focusing on faults, not always angrily)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; root word 'scold'
- •Etymology: From Old Norse 'skald' meaning 'to scold or rebuke'
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to mean speaking angrily or blaming someone
- •Modern usage: Used to describe telling someone off for bad behavior, often by parents, teachers, or bosses
Reflect & Connect
•How do different cultures show disapproval: do they scold loudly or quietly?
•Can scolding help someone learn, or does it sometimes make them feel worse? When is it useful?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher scolded the student because he ___ the classroom rules and was late.
2.When a parent scolds a child, they usually want the child to ___ their behavior.
3.Unlike praising, to scold means to show ___ or disappointment about actions.
4.People often scold ___ when they see repeated mistakes or bad behavior.
5.She scolded him ___ for forgetting to do his homework.
6.After being scolded, the child usually feels ___ and thinks about what went wrong.
7.A scold as a noun is someone who often ___ others for their faults or mistakes.