verb
-
to discipline or punish, esp by beating
-
to scold severely
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Critics of gold use this fact to chastise the proponents of a return to a gold-backed dollar.
From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025
Before the denouement came one more opportunity to chastise the Australians, one more chance to be at the centre of a red-hot Ashes tussle.
From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025
At the same time, we chastise people for being unhealthy while building — or at least tolerating — a world where unhealthy options aren’t just available; they’re the default.
From Salon • Aug. 14, 2025
The way she would chastise him for his dangerous driving but never actually felt unsafe in the car with him?
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2024
Badwa wouldn't be there to encourage her when she failed, or chastise her when she overextended herself.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
