tancer

Senses

1. 1.

   to rebuke; to scold

   to reprove or reprimand someone sharply for wrongdoing or misbehaviour

2. 2.

   to upbraid

   to express disapproval or criticism in a harsh or reproachful manner

Examples

• "Le professeur a tancé l'élève pour son manque de respect."

  The teacher rebuked the student for his lack of respect.

• "Elle l'a tancé sévèrement pour avoir menti."

  She scolded him severely for having lied.

• "On l'a tancé dans les règles de l'art."

  They gave him a proper dressing down.

Usage

*Tancer* is a formal or somewhat literary verb meaning to reprimand or scold. It is less common in everyday speech than *gronder* or *réprimander*, but appears regularly in written French and formal contexts. It takes a direct object (the person being scolded).