Chide is a verb that means to scold or rebuke in a mild or harsh manner. People often use it when they want to criticize someone for doing something wrong or foolish. Some synonyms for chide are admonish, rebuke, reprimand, scold, lecture, berate, upbraid, censure, chastise, and lambaste. Admonish implies a gentler form of chiding with an objective to offer advice or counsel. Rebuke and reprimand are more severe than admonish and express strong disapproval. Scold suggests a sharp, angry tone while lecture implies a more formal or serious talk. Berate, upbraid, censure, chastise, and lambaste are all harsh, severe rebukes that take things to an extreme level.