reprimand
REP-ruh-mandverbMeaning to scold formally, as a boss or official does
Memory hook a RAP on the HAND from the boss. The boss calls Dev into her office and gives him a formal rap on the hand for the late report. To reprimand is to scold officially.
The manager reprimanded the clerk for leaving the register open.
In context Because it was his third late arrival this month, the captain reprimanded the guard in writing, and a copy went into his file.
Similar scold, rebuke, reprove, discipline
Opposite praise, commend, reward
From French réprimande, from Latin reprimenda, “things to be held back,” from reprimere, “to press back, check.”