castigation

[ kas-ti-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. severe criticism or harsh scolding; censure:

   The speaker segued inexplicably from a calm informational tone into a full-throated castigation of anyone and everyone associated with the administration.

   The impassioned responses to my essay range from ardent appreciation to virulent castigation.

Other Words From

• non·cas·ti·ga·tion noun
• self-cas·ti·ga·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of castigation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, for an earlier sense; from Latin castīgātiōn-, stem of castīgātiō “chastisement, a chastening,” from castigāre “to chasten”; castigate ( def ), -ion ( def )

Example Sentences

Dederich described the Game as “a gimmick that no one else seems to have,” predicated on “uninhibited conversations, yelling, castigation, aggression, lying. Anything goes short of physical violence or threats of physical violence.”

From Los Angeles Times

Many feared that the aid workers’ deaths would bring more castigation of Israel from the outside world.

From Los Angeles Times

He described feeling social castigation, and sometimes isolation.

From New York Times

The frequent castigation of Versailles in popular histories over the past century has established a narrative implying that seeking justice for international crimes will boomerang, and that wise statesmen should know better.

From Salon

As she held tight to the word, stretching it like a castigation, she grabbed a photo of Pope John Paul II and held it up to camera.

From New York Times