chastisement

American  

[chas-tiz-muhnt, chas-tahyz-] / ˈtʃæs tɪz mənt, tʃæsˈtaɪz- /

noun

1. severe criticism; a rebuke or strong reprimand.

2. corporal punishment; a beating.

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Usage

What does chastisement mean? Chastisement is “a strong verbal reprimand” or “severe criticism,” such as the scolding a child may face for coloring on the walls—or the talking-to an employee gets for imbibing too much eggnog at the company holiday party.More commonly in British English, chastisement can also refer to corporal punishment, like a spanking or a beating.Example: The careless driver had hoped the cop would let her go with a stern chastisement, but the officer wrote her a speeding ticket.

Etymology

Origin of chastisement

First recorded in 1275–1325; chastise + -ment

Example Sentences

But losing the trial would be a high-profile chastisement of the CEO’s brash leadership style.

From Washington Post

Conservative bishops suggested that a pro-choice president deserved public chastisement; a smaller progressive wing suggested that conservatives’ sudden desire to issue a statement was more partisan than pastoral.

From Washington Post

Propelled by an increase in the price of oil, the stock returns for the big energy companies have been excellent, despite the public chastisement.

From New York Times

For that rush job and to those concerned about the bill’s impact on public safety, Pritzker offered only chastisement when he signed it Monday.

From Washington Times

It doesn’t explain why public chastisement over anti-Semitic comments is fairly muted when compared to the reaction to racists’ remarks.

From Los Angeles Times