Langimage
English

chastise

|chas-tise|

C1

🇺🇸

/tʃəˈstaɪz/

🇬🇧

/tʃɑːˈstaɪz/

scolding or punishment

Etymology
Etymology Information

'chastise' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'chastier', where the Latin verb 'castigare' influenced its meaning (related to correction).

Historical Evolution

'chastise' changed from the Old French word 'chastier' and via Middle English forms such as 'chastisen' eventually became the modern English 'chastise'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to correct or purify morally', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to reprimand or punish'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to rebuke or reprimand severely.

The coach chastised the players for their lack of effort in the match.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to punish (originally often physically) as a means of correction.

In older societies, parents sometimes chastised children physically to correct behavior.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/09/11 11:10