Definition

Verb: 1. To express warning or disapproval, especially in a gentle or earnest manner: To advise or urge someone to correct a fault or avoid a problem, often with a tone of mild scolding or counsel. 2. To warn or caution firmly: To give a serious warning about a potential danger or consequence.

Examples

• The teacher admonished the students for talking during the exam.
• He was admonished by his manager for his repeated tardiness.
• The sign admonishes visitors not to feed the animals.
• She admonished her brother to drive carefully on the icy roads.

Advanced Usage

• "to admonish someone for something": To scold or reprimand someone because of a specific action.
  • The coach admonished the player for his unsportsmanlike conduct.
• "to admonish someone to do/against doing something": To strongly advise or warn someone to take or avoid a specific action.
  • The manual admonishes users to unplug the device before cleaning.
  • I must admonish you against making hasty decisions.

Variants and Related Words

• Admonition (noun): A gentle or friendly criticism or warning.
  • He ignored his father's admonition and suffered the consequences.
• Admonitory (adjective): Serving to warn or express disapproval.
  • She gave him an admonitory glance.

Synonyms

• Reprimand: To scold or criticize formally.
• Chide: To scold mildly.
• Caution: To warn about a specific danger.
• Advise: To offer suggestions about a course of action.

Related Phrases

• To issue an admonishment: To formally give a warning or reprimand.
  • The judge issued a stern admonishment to the defendant.

Verb

1. take to task
   • He admonished the child for his bad behavior
2. warn strongly; put on guard
3. admonish or counsel in terms of someone's behavior
   • I warned him not to go too far
   • I warn you against false assumptions
   • She warned him to be quiet