castigate
verb (used with object)
to criticize or reprimand severely.
castigated
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past participleof castigate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof castigate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
castigateverb (used with object)to criticize or reprimand severely.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Charge sheets grew into lengthy, moralizing denunciations that castigated officials for failing to stay committed to the party.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
His 24-page ruling also castigated both Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and government lawyers for submitting “evasive and demonstrably false” claims to the court under oath.
From Slate ● Dec. 20, 2025
England were widely castigated after the first Test ended inside two days, with former players slamming the so-called "Bazball" tactics which saw a number of batsmen throw their wickets away with rash shots.
From Barron's ● Dec. 3, 2025
It repeats, without shedding new light, on the ways Kissinger has long been celebrated and castigated.
From Salon ● Nov. 1, 2025
He hated the idea of the black inferiority complex and castigated what he called the worship and idolization of the West and their ideas.
From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela
