'chastisement' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'chastier,' where 'chast-' meant 'pure' or 'to correct.'

'chastier' transformed into the Middle English word 'chastisen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'chastise.'

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