chastise

American  

[chas-tahyz, chas-tahyz] / tʃæsˈtaɪz, ˈtʃæs taɪz /

verb (used with object)

chastised, chastising

1. to discipline, especially by corporal punishment.

   Synonyms:

   spank, flog, beat, whip, castigate, punish

2. to criticize severely.

3. Archaic. to restrain; chasten.

4. Archaic. to refine; purify.

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chastise British  

/ tʃæsˈtaɪz-, tʃæsˈtaɪz, ˈtʃæstɪzmənt /

verb

1. to discipline or punish, esp by beating

2. to scold severely

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Other Word Forms

• chastisable adjective
• chastisement noun
• chastiser noun
• nonchastisement noun
• self-chastise verb (used with object)
• self-chastisement noun
• unchastisable adjective
• unchastising adjective

Etymology

Origin of chastise

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English chastisen, equivalent to chasti(en) “to chasten ” + -s-, of unknown origin + -en infinitive suffix

Example Sentences

Miss Mexico was crowned Miss Universe in Thailand on Friday, strutting to victory after the beauty pageant's host had publicly chastised her, among several dramatic missteps in the run-up to the final stage.

From Barron's

I feel like I’m being chastised by Ma for not wanting to join a million clubs at school.

From Literature

The pop band Muna chastised some of their supporters for "spreading falsehoods about us and our loved ones for clout and attention"; while Doja Cat called out "creepy" behaviour from a section of her fanbase.

From BBC

“I think everybody deserves to know what is happening in their community and to be able to voice their concern, and shouldn’t be chastised or villainized for having a response or a fear.”

From Los Angeles Times

Critics of gold use this fact to chastise the proponents of a return to a gold-backed dollar.

From Barron's

Related Words

• berate
• castigate
• censure
• flog
• lash
• punish
• upbraid