English

Verb

remonstrate ‎(third-person singular simple present remonstrates, present participle remonstrating, simple past and past participle remonstrated)

1. (intransitive) To object; to express disapproval (with, against).
   • 1724, Jonathan Swift, The Drapier's Letters, Letter 4:

     Whitshed, the Chief Justice, consistently with his action on a previous occasion (see volume vii.), angrily remonstrated with the jury, demanded of them their reasons for such a decision, and finally dissolved them.

   • 2005, Rich Bowden, "Japanese P.M. Apologizes for Wartime Aggression," World Press Review, 26 April (retrieved 2 Aug. 2010),

     Following weeks of bitter protests by Chinese demonstrators remonstrating against Japanese wartime atrocities, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has moved to heal the rift between the two nations by apologizing for Japan’s World War II record.

   • November 2 2014, Daniel Taylor, "Sergio Agüero strike wins derby for Manchester City against 10-man United," guardian.co.uk

     Wayne Rooney spent much of the game remonstrating with Oliver about his own grievances and, in the interest of balance, there were certainly occasions when United had legitimate complaints.

2. (intransitive, chiefly historical) Specifically, to lodge an official objection (especially by means of a remonstrance) with a monarch or other ruling body.
   • 2002, Colin Jones, The Great Nation, Penguin 2003, page 233:

     In 1753-4, the Parlements of Aix, Bordeaux, Rennes and Rouen remonstrated in support of the exiled Paris institution.

3. (transitive, often with an object consisting of direct speech or a clause beginning with that) To state or plead as an objection, formal protest, or expression of disapproval.
   • 1861, Charles Dickens, Great Expectations, ch. 23:

     "Belinda," remonstrated Mr. Pocket, from the other end of the table, "how can you be so unreasonable?"

   • 1988, Martin Tolchin and Barbara Gamarekian, "What's in a Name?," New York Times, 18 May (retrieved 2 Aug 2010):

     In a recent column in The New York Times, William Safire referred to Mr. Morris as Ed. This prompted Mr. Morris to write "an open letter" to Mr. Safire remonstrating that, in his case, such usage "grates like sand in salad."

4. To point out; to show clearly; to make plain or manifest; hence, to prove; to demonstrate.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Jeremy Taylor to this entry?)

   • Ben Jonson

     I will remonstrate to you the third door.

Synonyms

• demur, expostulate

Related terms

Translations