meaning of "Tell off"

[Foka]

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #123 "Synonyms for see and watch", question 9

The kids were told off many times for ......... through the keyhole while their parents were having an argument in the bedroom.

(a) surveying
(b) browsing
(c) peeping
(d) detecting

Synonyms Lesson, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #123 "Synonyms for see and watch", answer 9

The kids were told off many times for peeping through the keyhole while their parents were having an argument in the bedroom.

Correct answer: (c) peeping

Your answer was: correct
_________________________

What is the meaning of the phrase "To tell off"?

Foka

[Mister Micawber]

.
Tell off = chastise; verbally rebuke
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber