Definition

1. Noun:
   • Severe disapproval or condemnation: The act or state of strongly disapproving of or condemning someone or something, often on moral grounds.
   • Theological rejection: In Christian theology, the act of divine rejection by God, or the state of being condemned to eternal damnation.

Usage and Examples

• Expressing severe disapproval:
  • The committee's report was a clear reprobation of the company's unethical practices.
  • Her actions met with widespread reprobation from the community.
• Theological context:
  • The doctrine of reprobation is a difficult and controversial concept within some theological traditions.
  • He feared eternal reprobation for his sins.

Advanced Usage

• "beyond reprobation": So bad as to be indefensible, even exceeding normal condemnation.
  • The dictator's crimes were so heinous they were beyond reprobation.
• "to incur reprobation": To bring severe disapproval upon oneself.
  • The politician's lies incurred the reprobation of the entire nation.

Variants and Related Words

• Reprobate (noun/adj/verb):
  • As a noun: An unprincipled or morally corrupt person.

    • He was considered a reprobate by polite society.
  • As an adjective: Morally corrupt or unprincipled.

    • reprobate behavior
  • As a verb: To condemn or disapprove of strongly.

    • Society reprobated his conduct.
• Reprobative (adj): Expressing or conveying reprobation.
  • a reprobative glance

Synonyms

• Condemnation: The expression of very strong disapproval; censure.
• Censure: Harsh criticism or disapproval.
• Denunciation: Public condemnation of someone or something.
• Disapprobation (less severe): Strong disapproval, typically on moral grounds.

Antonyms

• Approval: The belief that someone or something is good or acceptable.
• Commendation: Formal or official praise.
• Sanction: Official permission or approval for an action.
• Election (theological antonym): In theology, the divine choice for salvation.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "full of reprobation": Filled with strong disapproval.
  • Her voice was full of reprobation as she described the incident.
• "social reprobation": Severe disapproval from society or a social group.
  • In that era, divorce carried a heavy burden of social reprobation.

Noun

1. severe disapproval
2. rejection by God; the state of being condemned to eternal misery in Hell