· rebuking a person harshly

Synonym(s): chiding, objurgation, tongue-lashing

Hypernym(s): rebuke, reproof, reproval, reprehension, reprimand

· censure severely or angrily; "The mother scolded the child for entering a stranger's car"; "The deputy ragged the Prime Minister"; "The customer dressed down the waiter for bringing cold soup"

Synonym(s): call_on_the_carpet, take_to_task, rebuke, rag, trounce, lecture, reprimand, jaw, dress_down, call_down, chide, berate, bawl_out, remonstrate, chew_out, chew_up, have_words, lambaste, lambast

Hypernym(s): knock, criticize, criticise, pick_apart

· show one's unhappiness or critical attitude; "He scolded about anything that he thought was wrong"; "We grumbled about the increased work load"

Synonym(s): grouch, grumble

Hypernym(s): complain, kick, plain, sound_off, quetch, kvetch