Animadversion, n.
Etymology: [L. animadversio, fr. animadvertere: cf. F. animadversion. See Animadvert.]
1. The act or power of perceiving or taking notice; direct or simple perception. [Obs.] The soul is the sole percipient which hath animadversion and sense, properly so called. Glanvill.
2. Monition; warning. [Obs.] Clarendon.
3. Remarks by way of criticism and usually of censure; adverse criticism; reproof; blame. He dismissed their commissioners with severe and sharp animadversions. Clarendon.
4. Judicial cognizance of an offense; chastisement; punishment. [Archaic] "Divine animadversions." Wesley.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Stricture; criticism; censure; reproof; blame; comment.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for animadversion; he lists it under reproof.
Where he writes about it:
The same is true of admonition and animadversion. — from reproof
Animadversion is censure of a high, authoritative, and somewhat formal kind. — from reproof
Rebuke may be given at the outset, or in the midst of an action; animadversion, reflection, reprehension, reproof, always follow the act; admonition is anticipatory, and meant to be preventive. — from reproof