chastise

[ chas-tahyz, chas-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, chas·tised, chas·tis·ing.

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.

chastise

/ tʃæsˈtaɪz-; tʃæsˈtaɪz; ˈtʃæstɪzmənt /

verb

1. to discipline or punish, esp by beating
2. to scold severely

Derived Forms

• chastisement, noun
• chasˈtiser, noun
• chasˈtisable, adjective

Other Words From

• chas·tis·a·ble adjective
• chas·tise·ment [chas, -tiz-m, uh, nt, chas-, tahyz, -], noun
• chas·tis·er noun
• non·chas·tise·ment noun
• self-chas·tise verb (used with object) selfchastised selfchastising
• self-chas·tise·ment noun
• un·chas·tis·a·ble adjective
• un·chas·tis·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chastise¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of chastise¹

C14 chastisen, irregularly from chastien to chasten

Example Sentences

Homan chastised Los Angeles City Council member Hugo Soto-Martínez for his commitment to upholding the city’s sanctuary policy, which bars local authorities from cooperating with federal immigration schemes.

From Salon

Hegseth later told an investigator he didn’t remember being chastised by the pool.

From Los Angeles Times

But in their darkest hour, when the most odious contestant seems inevitable, the Cady of the conclave asserts his presence to chastise his fellow cardinals for their pettiness.

From Salon

Harris sat down with Baier on Wednesday for a tense interview, in which the "Special Report" host repeatedly cut off and chastised the Democratic candidate.

From Salon

Upon waking up in the hospital, she’s informed that she was dead for three minutes; worse, she’s chastised for not having any emergency contacts.

From Salon

Related Words

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