Admonish

ad-MAH-nish

Definition

(verb) To warn or reprimand someone firmly, often with the intention of correction.

Example

The teacher admonished the student for speaking out of turn, but her tone remained calm and constructive.

Fun Fact

In literature and film, characters who admonish others often serve as the story’s moral compass—think of Gandalf’s warnings in The Lord of the Rings or Atticus Finch’s guidance in To Kill a Mockingbird. These moments aren’t just disciplinary—they’re pivotal points of growth.

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