Vocabulary Spotlight
Chastise
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To rebuke or reprimand severely; to scold or punish.
“The coach chastised the players for their lack of effort during the game.”
Pronunciation
[chas-tahyz]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Scold
Rebuke
Punish
Admonish
Antonyms
Commend
Reward
Encourage
Compliment
Related Words
Admonition (noun)
Punishment (noun)
Word Origin
“Chastise” comes from the Latin “castigare,” meaning “to make pure” or “to punish.” In Middle English, it took on the meaning of severe rebuke or punishment to correct behavior.
Word Family
Verb: Chastise – To reprimand or punish severely.
Noun: Chastisement – The act of chastising or punishing.
Related Noun: Admonition – A mild rebuke or warning.
Mnemonics
Think “chastise” as “cast eyes” on someone angrily — a severe scolding or reprimand.
Industry-specific Usage
Parenting
In parenting, chastising is used to correct a child’s behavior, often as part of discipline.
Education
In education, teachers may chastise students for disruptive behavior to maintain a conducive learning environment.
Sports Coaching
Sports coaches often chastise players to motivate them to improve performance or adhere to team standards.
In Context
Chastising is a way to correct or reprimand someone, often aimed at helping them improve behavior or performance. Although sometimes seen as harsh, it can serve as a powerful form of guidance in various fields, from parenting to coaching.