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told off

VERB

reprimand; criticize harshly

Synonyms

WEAK

berate censure chide give piece of one's mind give tongue-lashing lecture rail rake over the coals rebuke reproach reprove revile scold take to task tick off upbraid vituperate

Antonyms

WEAK

compliment praise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But things took a dramatic turn at a pre-pageant ceremony early this month, when Mr Nawat told off Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, in front of dozens of contestants for failing to post promotional content.

From BBC • Nov. 20, 2025

Adrien was just sitting there, like a teenager being told off in a principal’s office.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2025

She said: "He was coming home absolutely exhausted because he was holding all his tics in because he didn't want to do them in school - because he'd get told off".

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2024

"I felt like I was being told off," Celyn recalled of one conversation with another officer.

From BBC • Sep. 23, 2024

Outside in the hall he nearly ran into Dudley, who had been lurking behind the door, clearly hoping to overhear Harry being told off.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling