Definition of: animadversion

(an′ə·mad·vûr′zhən, -shən) noun
Criticism or censure; a censorious comment or reflection: with on or upon. [ < L animadversio, -onis < animadvertere. See ANIMADVERT.]
—an′i·mad·ver′sive (-siv) adjective
—an′i·mad· ver′sive·ness noun Synonyms: aspersion, blame, censure, chiding, comment, criticism, disapproval, rebuke, reflection, reprehension, reproof. Comment and criticism may be favorable as well as censorious; they imply no superiority or authority on the part of him who utters them; nor do reflection and reprehension, which are simply turning the mind back upon what is disapproved. Reprehension is calm and just, and with good intent; it is therefore a serious matter, however mild, and is capable of great force, as expressed in the phrase severe reprehension. Reflection is often from mere ill feeling, and is likely to be more personal and less impartial than reprehension; we often speak of unkind or unjust reflections. Rebuke, literally a stopping of the mouth, is administered to a forward or hasty person; reproof is administered to one intentionally or deliberately wrong; both words imply authority in the reprover. Antonyms: approbation, approval, commendation, encomium, eulogy, panegyric, praise.