Scold

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /skoÊŠld/
• also IPA: /sklÌ©d/
• Homophones: skulled
• RP IPA: /skəʊld/, skÉ’ÊŠÉ«d
• Rhymes: -əʊld

Alternative forms

• scould obsolete

Origin

From Old Norse skald ("poet"). English since the 12th century.

Full definition of scold

Noun

1. (obsolete) A person fond of abusive language, in particular a troublesome and angry woman.

Related terms

• scold's bridle

Verb

1. To rebuke.
• 1813, Pride and Prejudice, Jane AustenA week elapsed before she could see Elizabeth without scolding her —
• 1879, Richard Jefferies, The Amateur Poacher Chapter 1, Molly the dairymaid came a little way from the rickyard, and said she would pluck the pigeon that very night after work. She was always ready to do anything for us boys; and we could never quite make out why they scolded her so for an idle hussy indoors.

Synonyms

• objurgate
• rebuke
• threap

Anagrams

• clods, colds