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
But Kimmel went on to chastise Carr, showing his social media postings in recent years that gave unequivocal support to the 1st Amendment and condemning the censorship of TV hosts and commentators.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2025
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 • Nov. 22, 2024
Mr. Muhammad, when I went to see him in Chicago, had to chastise me on some point during nearly every visit.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
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.
